Two Chattanooga firefighters escaped serious injury while fighting a house fire in Stuart Heights on Thursday afternoon.
They were dispatched to a house fire at 3116 Haywood Ave. at 1:11 p.m. Capt. Marcus Wolff with Quint 16 said smoke could be seen coming from the doors and roof vents when they arrived on the scene.
As other fire companies arrived, the firefighters entered the house through the rear door. The visibility was down to zero as the firefighters began their search for victims, and for the fire.
Two firefighters opened a door and fell through a burned out stairwell to the floor below. Fortunately, neither firefighter was injured.
No one was found in the house. Captain Wolff said it was obvious to him that the fire had been burning for some time before finally being noticed by a neighbor or passing motorist.
The firefighters eventually got the blaze under control, but Captain Wolff said the fire damage was substantial.
The owner of the house was reportedly at work at the time of the fire.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross were called in to provide assistance to the victim. Capt. Lesley Morgan with the Fire Investigation Division estimated the loss at $75,000.
The cause of the fire is undetermined and under investigation.