Meth Lab May Have Caused House Fire

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Investigators from the Chattanooga Police Department Narcotics Unit are currently investigating the cause of a house fire early Tuesday morning that destroyed a home and sent one man to the hospital. Police said there is a possibility a methamphetamine lab was the cause of the fire.

Six individuals, including three children, were at the home at 5714 Taggart Dr. in Hixson, when the fire broke out. One man, Joshua McMellon, was taken to Erlanger Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the fire.

Police said interviews conducted after the fire indicated there was a presence of chemicals that may be
used in the production of methamphetamine.

The Chattanooga Police Department and the TBI Methamphetamine Task Force were called in to make a preliminary investigation. The results of that
investigation are still pending.


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