A $200,000 house in Middle Valley went up in flames early Thursday morning.
Hamilton County 911 received a call at 7:05 a.m. reporting the fire at 6925 Starlight Road off E. Boy Scout Road.
Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department Chief Markus Fritts said his units arrived on the scene moments later to find fire coming through the roof of the home.
Chief Fritts said the father and three children met him at the driveway to report all family and pets were safely out of the burning structure.
The firefighters mounted an interior and exterior attack on the fire. By the time the flames were out, the home was a total loss. Estimated damage is $200,000.
Chief Fritts speculated the fire started in the attic and spread quickly throughout the attic area and through the roof before the smoke alarms went off and the family knew the dwelling was on fire.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Arson Squad is conducting a routine investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
Dallas Bay was assisted by units from Red Bank, Sale Creek and Soddy Daisy fire departments, Hamilton County EMS and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. The Red Cross was on the scene to assist the family.