With temperatures well above 90 degrees, Chattanooga firefighters were called Sunday to a multi-unit residential complex fire at 14th and South Beech streets.
At approximately 6:02 p.m., Capt. Scott Davis of Engine 5 said firefighters found heavy smoke pouring from the roof of the structure. After making sure all residents were safe, an investigation of the structure revealed intense fire and heat in the back of the rear apartment.
With the aid of additional fire companies, the fire was quickly extinguished before it could spread to the adjoining unit. The fire was deemed under control around 6:20 p.m.
Capt. Davis said the fire appeared to start in a laundry/storage room at the rear of the structure.
He said most of the fire damage was in that area and estimated the loss at around $15,000.
Battalion Chief Ben Biggs notified the American Red Cross to assist with the needs of the displaced residents. He said no one was injured and credited the fire companies with a great effort on a very hot evening.
Red Cross officials said there was also a fire in Fort Oglethorpe on Saturday night that displaced a family with eight children.
The fire in Fort Oglethorpe was the result of a malfunctioning bathroom fan, but fortunately the family came home in time to catch the fire before it got out of control.
That fire was in an apartment complex.
Helping out in Fort Oglethorpe
- Photo2 by Barbara Alexander