6 People Escape Early Morning House Fire

Thursday, October 30, 2008

An early morning fire Thursday near Highway 58 and Highway 153 forced six people from their home.

Four adults and two children were in the home when the fire was discovered, but all got out of the house safely.

The Chattanooga Fire Department was dispatched to 4206 Wilkesview Dr. shortly before 1 a.m. Battalion Chief Mike Knox said about 75% of the house was engulfed in flames when the first firefighters arrived on the scene. The firefighters eventually got the blaze under control, but the fire damage was substantial.

Chief Knox estimated the loss at $45,000.

Lt. Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division said the fire was started by a woman in the house who was described as mentally disabled. Lt. McElvain said the woman told firefighters that she was burning paper in an ashtray and the flames spread to some window curtains and blinds. Lt. McElvain said the cause of the fire will be listed as unintentional and no charges will be filed.

The family was renting the house, but did not have renter's insurance. Volunteers with the American Red Cross were called in to provide assistance to the family, including help with food, clothing and a temporary stay in a local motel.


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