Amy Maxwell
A child playing with matches started a house fire in Ooltewah on Thursday afternoon.
Around 2:30 p.m., a homeowner called 911, reporting a house fire around the 4000 block of E. Freedom Circle.
The Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department responded and arrived on the scene reporting heavy smoke pouring out of a bedroom window on the second floor. Firefighters entered the home to find a bedroom and closet on fire.
They were able to extinguish the fire quickly and contain the fire to the one bedroom.
Fire officials obtained a report from the mother stating she heard the alarm from the smoke detector and went to investigate the area. She found the bedroom closet on fire. She tried to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful.
The mother and child were able to escape without injury. Fire officials ruled the fire as accidental and started from a child playing with matches in his closet.
Damages are listed at $40,000. No injuries were reported.
Amy Maxwell