A family from the Walden's Ridge area lost their house to fire on Thursday afternoon.
At 2:20 p.m., a 911 call was made reporting a house fire at 5300 Taft Highway (Walden's Ridge area). Walden's Ridge Emergency Services responded and arrived on the scene reporting heavy smoke and fire through the roof and on the back side of the house.
After the firefighters were clear that no one was home, they went to a defensive attack. Chief Randall Hawkins of Walden's Ridge Emergency Services requested a mutual aid response for additional manpower and engines. Signal Mountain Fire Department and Lone Oak Fire Department responded to the scene and Red Bank Fire Department was on stand-by at WRES Station 1 for any potential 911 calls.
No injuries were reported, but Hamilton County EMS was on the scene for any potential injuries.
The firefighters were able to save two ferrets and a dog inside the burning structure and all animals are doing fine.
The homeowners, the Doyles, were not home at the time. The cause of the fire is undetermined and will under investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department.
The house is a total loss and estimated at $100,000 in damages.
The American Red Cross was requested to the scene to assist the Doyle family.