No injuries were reported in connection with a house fire Sunday afternoon.
The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 1:02 p.m. and responded with four fire companies to 1708 Tunnel Blvd. Battalion Chief Ben Biggs said the front half of the house was engulfed in flames when the first firefighters arrived on the scene. The firefighters were able to get the fire out in roughly 20 minutes, but the damage was substantial. Chief Biggs estimated the loss at around $40,000.
Three adults were reportedly in the house when the fire was discovered. They told firefighters that they put some food to cook on the stove and then fell asleep. They said the smoke woke them up and that is when they got out.
Chief Biggs said the bulk of the fire damage is toward the front of the house. Senior Firefighter Andrew Waters and Lieutenant Anthony Moore with the Fire Investigation Division are trying to determine the cause of the fire. For now, the cause is listed as undetermined and under investigation.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross were called in to provide assistance to the victims.