Two people were able to get out when a large house in the Riverview community caught fire late Thursday afternoon.
The fire broke out shortly before 6 p.m. on Minnekahda Place.
Richard Ledford said he was lying down and about ready to fall asleep when he started smelling smoke. He then said he noticed a haze of smoke up toward the ceiling lights and heard a smoke alarm activate.
Mr. Ledford said he went downstairs to alert the other occupant, Peggy Abshire. Together, they got Ms. Absire's pet dog, and all got out of the house safely.
At least one neighbor called 9-1-1, and the Chattanooga Fire Department responded with four fire companies.
When Battalion Chief Bob Dixon arrived on the scene, he called for an additional two fire companies to help fight the fire at the frame, two-story house with a basement and garage.
Chief Dixon said most of the fire appeared to be on the upper floor and had spread into the attic. It took the firefighters at least an hour to get the blaze under control.
An estimate on the dollar loss was unavailable. The cause of the fire is undetermined and under investigation. Volunteers with the American Red Cross were called in to provide assistance to the residents.