A smoke alarm helped prevent a tragedy on Tuesday morning when fire broke out in a house in Hixson.
Donald Gunner said he was asleep when a smoke alarm activated, alerting him to a fire in the basement. Mr. Gunner got out of the house and called 911.
Chattanooga firefighters received the alarm at 5:25 a.m. and responded to 1325 Gadd Road with four fire companies.
Battalion Chief Bob Dixon said the firefighters were able to contain most of the fire damage to the basement, though the rest of the house sustained some smoke damage.
The loss was estimated at $20,000. No injuries were reported.
Senior Firefighter Andrew Waters with the Fire Investigation Division said the cause of the fire appears to be accidental, most likely from an electrical malfunction. Volunteers with the Chattanooga chapter of the American Red Cross responded to the scene to provide assistance, including a temporary place to stay for Mr. Gunner.