No injuries were reported in connection with a house fire on Tuesday morning in the Highland Park community.
Chattanooga firefighters first learned of the fire shortly after 9 a.m. when someone knocked on their door at Station 5 on Willow Street, informing them that there was a house fire a few blocks away. At about the same time, the 911 Center also received calls about the fire. Several Chattanooga fire companies were then dispatched to 2014 Bennett Ave.
Captain Scott Davis with Engine 5 said fire was visible in the attic portion of the house when his company arrived on the scene. Chattanooga firefighters quickly attacked the blaze from the inside, and managed to contain the fire damage to a portion of the attic that had been converted into a bedroom. Captain Davis said there was some smoke and water damage to the rest of the house below. The loss was estimated at around $25,000.
Battalion Chief Ben Biggs said Felicia Kelly, her husband, and four children were all away when the fire was discovered. Chief Biggs said the cause of the fire appears to be accidental, most likely from an overloaded extension cord.
The family was renting the house, but did not have renter’s insurance. The Red Cross was called in to provide assistance to the family.