photo by Chief Rick Boatwright
photo by Chief Rick Boatwright
photo by Chief Rick Boatwright
photo by Chief Rick Boatwright
photo by Chief Rick Boatwright
photo by Chief Rick Boatwright
Chattanooga firefighters responded to a brush fire near Amberleigh Ridge Apartments around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Battalion Chief Rick Boatwright said the fire was located in a section of pine trees and brush on a very steep bank. The fire was moving fast and threatening to involve some buildings in the apartment complex. Firefighters from multiple fire companies used hand-held hoselines and set up an aerial on one of quints to wet down the entire area.
Chief Boatwright said the fire scorched about half an acre of brush and trees. No buildings were involved and no injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire was traced to two boys, ages nine and 10. While being interviewed, the boys told Captain Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division that they had a couple of cigarette lighters and set an old camping chair on fire in the wooded area. When the fire began to spread, they panicked and ran away.
Captain McElvain said charges are pending against the two boys.