photo by Brent McDonald (See video on NewsChannel 9)
Five fire departments worked throughout the early morning on a 3-alarm house fire in the Lakesite area. Damages were estimated at $2 million. The fire broke out around 2 a.m.
The homeowners, James and Nancy Anderson, called 911 reporting a house fire at 2106 Driftwood Road. Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) responded and arrived on the scene reporting heavy smoke and fire showing to the first floor of a very large home.
Firefighters worked quickly to contain the fire in the garage area.
Unfortunately, a boat full of fuel fed the fire from one end of the house to the other end within minutes.
Chief Marcus Fritts, Dallas Bay VFD, immediately called for a Mutual Aid response for additional apparatus and manpower. Red Bank Fire Department, Soddy Daisy Fire Department, Mowbray Mountain VFD, and Sale Creek VFD responded to the scene.
Chief Fritts reported, "There were eight antique cars in the garages and we were able to save five of them. But this 7,000-square-foot home spread rapidly with fire due to fuel from two boats, gun ammunition, etc. All three floors collapsed to the basement."
The homeowners reported to fire officials that they awoke to the smell of smoke in their house. Mr. Anderson went to find the source of smoke and found a boat on fire. He tried to extinguish the fire with a garden hose, but was unsuccessful. They evacuated the home without injury.
No injuries were reported, but Hamilton County EMS was on the scene for any potential injuries to firefighters. The cause of the fire is undetermined and will be under investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.