Three children escaped a burning house on Friday afternoon.
Their father, Danny Leon Bowers, was arrested at the scene for violating the terms of his sex offender registry. Authorities said he had not registered as he was required to do, and he is not supposed to be living near children.
Chattanooga firefighters responded to a structure fire at 1210 E 35th St. The dispatchers received the alarm at 3:37 p.m.
Upon arrival, four Chattanooga fire companies observed light smoke with no visible flames. The firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, which was contained to a small bedroom. There was a smoke detector in the home. However, it did not have a battery. Damages are estimated at $15,000.
There were three minors in the home when the fire began, and all three evacuated promptly. One child suffered a minor burn on the hand.
The child was treated, but not transported.
Lt. Henry McElvain, with the Fire Investigation Division, said that a child playing with a lighter started the fire.
The family is renting the house, but did not have renter's insurance.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross were called and assisted the family with a temporary stay in a local hotel.