A man died in a fire in Bradley County early Thursday morning. His wife and three young daughters were able to escape.
The victim has been identified as Steven C. Ogle, 41.
His wife, Kelly Ogle, 37, climbed out of a bedroom window after she lowered their three daughters, ages 5, 8 and 10, from the same window. The wife reportedly was awakened by the smell of smoke.
The fire was at 330 Parkwood Dr., N.E.
The state fire marshal’s office and the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office are continuing an investigation into the blaze.
A 911 call from a nearby residence was dispatched at 2:20 a.m. and within two-three minutes deputy Shaun McKee arrived on the scene. Deputy McKee attempted entry into the upstairs area of the house after being told that someone may still be inside, but he was forced back by thick smoke and flames that engulfed the main area of the structure.
Deputies Jay Lawson and Tommy Kimsey arrived and the three forced open a basement door, but thick smoke prevented their entry.
The Bradley County Volunteer Fire Department, the Polk County Volunteer Fire Department and the Cleveland Fire Department extinguished the fire in about an hour.
An autopsy is planned at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.