An East Lake family will have to spend the night elsewhere after fire raced through their home Tuesday morning. The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 8 a.m. and responded to 1802 Foust St. with several fire companies. Captain Brandon Schroyer with Engine 9 said he could see a large plume of smoke from several blocks away as they rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, smoke and flames were shooting out some windows and the attic.
As additional fire companies arrived, Captain Schroyer said his firefighters made an interior attack on the fire and were able to get the fire under control in roughly 10 minutes. No injuries were reported.
The firefighters also conducted a primary search for victims, and then a secondary search. No one was found inside. Charita Morgan told firefighters that she and her husband Demetric were at work, and their three children were at school.
Though the fire was brought under control fairly quickly, Captain Schroyer said the fire caused substantial damage to the house and its contents. Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee were called in to provide assistance to the family.
The cause has been ruled accidental. Captain Andrew Waters with the Fire Investigation Division said a candle left unattended on a dresser was the likely cause. The loss was estimated at $50,000 for the building and contents.
Chattanooga Police and Hamilton County EMS also provided valuable assistance.