A house burned in North Chattanooga on Tuesday night. No one was found to be inside, though at first it was thought a resident was in the basement.
Chattanooga firefighters responded to the fire just after 8 p.m.
Neighbors from across the street, Brad and Holly Campbell, smelled smoke from inside their home, and went outside to investigate. As soon as they stepped out, they saw flames coming from a front window of the home across the street at 1632 Berkley Circle.
Mr. Campbell said that he thought the owner, Jim Christian, 59, lived in the basement. So, he called 911 on the way over and went straight around back to the basement door. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell kicked the door in and yelled for Mr. Christian. When no one answered, they ran to the front and banged on the front door. Just then fire crews began pulling up on scene.
Upon arrival, fire crews found flames continuing to shoot through the front window and up onto the roof. Quint 12, led by Commander Donnie Eaves, made an aggressive attack and had the next fire company, Quint 16, lay a water supply line to the home.
Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control in less than 20 minutes. Searches were performed, but Mr. Christian was not home at the time of the fire.
The origin of the fire was determined to have been in the front room of the home, but the cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.
Lt. Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation division is investigating the fire.
There were no injuries reported. Mr. Christian is being assisted by family and friends.