Chattanooga firefighters were kept busy overnight - first with calls to power lines down from the wind and storms and then later with two structure fires.
Firefighters were called out to on reports of smoke at a residence about 4:30 a.m. to 26 Minnekahda Place in Riverview. When they arrived the homeowners had gotten out safely and apparently the outside kitchen grill was accidentally left on.
Some time during the night the heat built up to the point of ignition and the fire extended into the exterior wall of the house. There was smoke damage in several rooms and fire damaged the inside room adjacent to the outdoor grill. Damages are estimated at $10,00-$20,000.
The second fire was at 510 Central Dr. at the Rustic Village Apartment complex. Around 5:40 a.m., firefighters arrived to find a fire in the rear of apartment building 400. The fire was contained to the rear of the building and did not get into the apartments.
There was smoke damage to one apartment. The resident was in the process of moving out and got out safely.
Investigator Lt. Henry McElvain was called to the scene to investigate. The cause of the fire is listed as undetermined and under investigation at present. Apparently, a newspaper delivery person was delivering papers to the apartment and alerted some of the residents to evacuate as firefighters were being dispatched. Damages were estimated at $15,000.