Two people escaped a duplex fire in St. Elmo late Thursday morning.
Just after 11 a.m., the Chattanooga Fire Department responded on a reported duplex fire at 5302 Dorsey St.
The occupant in 5302-A, Allen Heard, 26, was reportedly sleeping in the living room when the fire occurred. Heavy smoke filled that side of the duplex, and he reported that the smell of smoke woke him.
He immediately got up and ran to the B side of the duplex and banged on the door. Christal Hindman, 23, who lives in the other side of the duplex, met Mr. Heard at the front door. She ran back to grab some clothes, and said that by the time she had gotten back to the front door heavy smoke was already beginning to fill her side of the duplex.
After getting out, several parties called 911. A 24-year-old man who lives in the B-side with Ms. Hindman was at work at the time of the fire, it was stated.
When fire companies arrived on the scene, they found fire shooting through the roof. Lt. Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation division reported that the fire started in the back bedroom on the A-side. By the time the fire companies attacked the fire, it had burned through to the attic and was starting to travel to the B-side.
Led by Capt. Bruce Williford of Squad 4, fire crews made an aggressive attack and were able to hold the majority of the fire to the A-side of the duplex. The B-side received heavy smoke damage, as well. The total fire loss is estimated at $40,000.
Though no one was injured in the blaze, it was reported that smoke detectors were not present in either side of the duplex. Neither of the occupants have renter's insurance and they are being helped by family and friends. The American Red Cross was called and will also be assisting the occupants. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.