When fire broke out at a two-story apartment building early Saturday morning, some Chattanooga police officers on patrol happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Someone called 9-1-1 at 4:38 a.m. to report the fire, and Chattanooga police officers were the first on the scene at 1117 Grove St. They reported to 911 dispatch that smoke was coming from Apt. B on the second floor, and that it was intensifying.
Police officers Greg Chambers, David Cogburn, Curtis Penney and William Tallant decided to force their way into the apartment. After a brief search, they found a man asleep in bed. The officers said they woke him up and assisted him outside to safety.
As they exited the apartment, the room "flashed over" and was engulfed in flames.
One officer and the victim were reportedly treated by Hamilton County EMS for minor smoke inhalation, but no serious injuries were reported.
Battalion Chief Mack Moore said later the officers made a gutsy move. "I'm not sure they knew how close they came to becoming victims themselves," said Chief Moore, "but that resident wouldn't be alive now if they hadn't forced their way in to save him."
Moments after that dramatic rescue, Chattanooga firefighters arrived on the scene and quickly attacked the fire with hand-held hoselines. Chief Moore said they were able to contain the fire to the one apartment unit. The apartment unit below sustained some water damage, but the firefighters were able to save the contents.
Red Cross volunteers were called in to provide assistance to the residents of the two units. All other residents were allowed to return to their apartments. The loss was estimated at $30,000.
The fire started in the kitchen in Apt. B and appears to be accidental. Chief Moore said the fire's origin was attributed to food being left unattended on the stove.