Fire destroyed a couple’s home in the East Brainerd area early Tuesday morning.
At 3 a.m., the homeowner called 9-1-1 reporting a fire at 9411 Seasons Dr. Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department responded and arrived on the scene within minutes, confirming a fully involved house fire including the house next door, which had fire exposed in the top corner of the roof line.
Due to the significant amount of fire throughout the house, fire personnel went to a defensive attack to control the fire from endangering the adjacent homes. Additional Tri-Community fire personnel attacked the fire next door from spreading throughout the attic. Tri-Community VFD requested mutual aid response. Fort Oglethorpe Volunteer Fire Department was on standby for potential 9-1-1 calls in Tri-Community VFD district and Chattanooga-Hamilton County Rescue was requested for rehab.
No injuries were reported and Hamilton County EMS was on the scene for potential injuries.
According to the homeowners, Vicki Bennett and Shawn Morris, were awakened by their roommate, who was living in the basement. He smelled smoke and realized the garage was on fire. They reported the fire spread very quickly and they only had seconds to get out of the house. The homeowners expressed a sincere “thanks” to their roommate, who literally saved their lives.
Unfortunately, the homeowners did not have enough time to rescue their three cats and one dog. All of the pets perished in the blaze.
The house was a total loss. Damages are estimated at $200,000. The house next door sustained minimal damage.
The couple did have insurance and were assisted by the American Red Cross.
The cause of the fire will be under investigation by the Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department.
Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department was assisted by Fort Oglethorpe Volunteer Fire Department Hamilton County EMS, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, and Chattanooga-Hamilton County Rescue.