posted September 16, 2005
No injuries were reported in connection with a duplex fire on Read Avenue on Thursday night.
Two men who were reportedly walking nearby saw flames on the outside of the two-story duplex at 1706 Read and banged on the front doors to alert the residents. Only one side of the duplex was occupied at the time, and they got out safely.
The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 9:04 p.m. and responded with several fire companies. Battalion Chief Mack Moore said the flames could be seen from several blocks away as firefighters raced to the scene.
While some firefighters attacked the fire on the duplex, others used handheld hoselines to protect a neighboring house located just 15 feet away. Chief Moore said the firefighters did an excellent job of containing the fire, and getting it out quickly.
There was some speculation from neighbors that lightning might have started the fire since a storm had just passed through minutes before the fire was reported. Captain Craig Haney with the Fire Investigation Division said the physical evidence neither confirms nor eliminates the possibility of a lightning strike. The cause of the fire remains undetermined and under investigation.
The dollar loss was estimated at around $80,000.
The American Red Cross was called to the scene to provide assistance to the victims.
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