posted July 10, 2007
An arsonist is believed responsible after East Ridge firefighters had to go out twice to a burning unoccupied house on Tuesday night.
At approximately 6:57 p.m., East Ridge Fire/Rescue and Police were dispatched to 3603 Larry Lane on a reported house fire. Fire personnel arrived on the scene within four minutes to find heavy smoke coming from the rear of the residence.
Neighbors in the area told responders that the home was unoccupied. However, fire crews immediately conducted a search for anyone in the home. The house was found to be unoccupied and there were no reported injuries.
Firefighters quickly established an interior attack to fight the fire. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and was contained to the room of origin.
The damage is estimated to be approximately $10,000. The value of the home was estimated to be approximately $150,000.
Firefighters left the scene around 10 p.m. and were called back to the vacant structure at 11:21 p.m.
East Ridge fire units arrived within two minutes to find heavy fire burning through the roof of the fully involved structure. Firefighters again saved much of the house, but the entire roof was burned off.
One firefighter (Engineer Kory Custer) was overcome with heat exhaustion while fighting the fire. He was transported by LifeGuard Ambulance to Parkridge East Hospital where he was treated and released.
Hamilton County Rescue Squad responded a rehab truck to help the firefighters that were suffering from the extreme heat conditions and fatigue from just having fought the fire one hour earlier.
East Ridge Fire officials called in extra manpower due to the conditions. Extra crews responded from Fort Oglethorpe, Rossville and Catoosa County Fire Departments.
Chief Eddie Phillips said, "This fire is considered suspicious due to the fact that the house was vacant, up for sale, and no electricity was on the house the second time."
The fire is being investigated by East Ridge Fire/Arson Investigator Commander Mike Williams.
Responding fire units included East Ridge Engine 1, squad 1, Engine 2, Ladder 3, Rescue 1, Support 1 and Ft. Oglethorpe Engine 10. Also responding were Rossville engine 3 and Catoosa County Engine 13.
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