Allen Smith Found Unconscious After Duplex Fire On Daisy Street; Taken To Burn Center In Augusta; Condition Improves

  • Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Duplex fire at Daisy Street
Duplex fire at Daisy Street
photo by Bruce Garner

A Chattanooga man was seriously injured in a duplex fire early Tuesday morning. He was identified as Allen Smith, 66.

Authorities said Tuesday afternoon his condition has improved. Lt. Andrew Waters with the Fire Investigation Division said he is now listed in stable condition at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Ga., where he was transferred.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 12:10 a.m. and responded to 2103 Daisy St. with four fire companies. Lt. Wadie Suttles with Engine 4 said the entire front part of the duplex was engulfed in flames.

While some firefighters worked to get the blaze under control, two firefighters made their way inside to look for victims. Captain Ashley May and Lt. Alex Cole found a Mr. Smith at the rear of the B side of the duplex on the bathroom floor. The two firefighters carried the him out of the apartment, where firefighters and EMS personnel administered oxygen.

Firefighters said the Mr. Smith was unresponsive. He was then transported by Hamilton County EMS to Erlanger Hospital, where he was in critical condition. Lt. Waters said the victim’s injuries were serious enough to warrant his transfer to the burn center.

Battalion Chief Charles Patton said the fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes. The fire displaced at least one adult who lived in the other side of the duplex. Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee were called in to provide assistance to the victims.

One of two pet dogs perished in the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Chattanooga Police also provided assistance on the scene.

Arson investigators went to the scene. No other details are available at this time. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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