A home in the Ooltewah area was destroyed by fire early Monday morning.
At 3:18 a.m., a 911 call was made reporting a house fire at 9215 Quail Mountain Drive. The Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department responded and arrived within minutes reporting fire showing through the roof and 3/4 of the house involved. Firefighters went into a “defensive attack” to control the fire.
According to fire officials, the 76-year-old homeowner was asleep and awoke to the smell of smoke throughout her house. She was able to escape, but sustained minor injuries of smoke inhalation. Hamilton County EMS treated her on the scene but she was not transported to the hospital. A firefighter also suffered minor burns to the back of his neck. He was treated on the scene as well.
Tri-Community VFD officials will be looking at the cause of this fire but are likely to confirm this fire started from a lightning strike. The house is a loss and damages are listed at $300,000 to $350,000.
The homeowner is insured and will be staying with family members.