A Signal Mountain family is without a place to live after a fire on Friday morning.
At 10 a.m., a 911 call was made by the homeowner reporting a fire at 912 B. James Boulevard. The Signal Mountain Fire Department responded and arrived on the scene reporting heavy smoke coming from the front of the house.
According to Lt. Claude Clemons of the Signal Mountain Fire Department, the firefighters did a quick search for victims inside the house and extinguished the fire in the wall and floor near the kitchen.
Chief John Vlasis requested Walden's Ridge Emergency Services for a Mutual Aid response for additional manpower.
Mary Miles, the resident renting the apartment, said she left around 8 a.m. to run errands and returned at 10 a.m. and noticed smoke coming from the roof and eaves of the four-apartment home.
The Signal Mountain Fire Department was able to contain the fire to the one unit and alleviate significant damage to the three remaining units. Ms. Miles' apartment received damage to the kitchen and hall area and significant smoke damage throughout the apartment. Damage estimates are unknown at this time.
Lt. Clemons said it appears the fire originated at the wall heater, but will be under investigation as to what started the fire.
Ms. Miles and her two children were not injured. Unfortunately, she lost two cats and two dogs in the fire. The American Red Cross was called in to assist the family.
The Signal Mountain Fire Department was assisted by Walden's Ridge Emergency Services, Hamilton County EMS and the Signal Mountain Police Department.