No injuries were reported in connection with an early morning fire on Monday in the Highland Park community.
The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 1:40 a.m. and responded with four fire companies to 1401 Union Avenue. Cpt. William Melhorn, the incident commander, said the first firefighters on the scene found fire on the second floor of the two-story house, which had been converted into four apartment units.
Cpt. Melhorn said the firefighters worked quickly to contain the blaze to the apartment unit where it started. The rest of the building sustained smoke and water damage. The dollar loss was estimated around $40,000.
Cpt. Melhorn said seven people lived in three of the four apartment units. All made it out safely, but they would not be able to stay in their apartments for a few days while repairs are made.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross were called in to provide assistance to the victims, which included overnight accommodations at a local motel. The cause of the fire is undetermined and under investigation.