Apartment Dryer Fire Displaces 18 People

  • Thursday, August 21, 2014

Chattanooga firefighters responded to a fire shortly before 11 a.m. on Thursday, at the Rustic Village North at 4616 Sunflower Lane.

The firefighters got the fire out quickly, containing the fire to the laundry room in Apartment 304. No one was injured. Battalion Chief Jeff Eldridge said the fire started in or near the dryer and would be ruled accidental.

Though the damage was limited to one apartment unit, there was a lingering problem. Chief Eldridge said the gas monitors used by firefighters showed dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide. Though high powered fans were used to ventilate the building, elevated levels of carbon monoxide remained. Chief Eldridge informed the residents and management personnel with the apartment complex that, for their own safety, they could not re-enter that building on Thursday.

By Friday, Chief Eldridge said the building should be safe to enter again.

John Hitchens with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee said nearly all of the 18 people temporarily displaced have other resources and could stay elsewhere for the night.

Mr. Hitchens said the Red Cross would be putting one family into a motel until they are able to return to their apartment. Several pets were also displaced and they are in the care of McKamey Animal Center.

Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 5/22/2025

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report. (If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com ) ANDERSON,KAREEM ... more

Man With Female Escort Said He Pulled Her Out Of His Truck After Deciding "I'm Not This Kind Of Person"
Man With Female Escort Said He Pulled Her Out Of His Truck After Deciding "I'm Not This Kind Of Person"
  • 5/21/2025

A man charged with beating up a female escort at Camp Jordan Park in East Ridge said he dragged her out of his truck after deciding "I'm not that kind of person." The woman involved said Jermaine ... more

Collegedale Police Arrest Man For Solicitation Of Minor And Human Trafficking Charges
Collegedale Police Arrest Man For Solicitation Of Minor And Human Trafficking Charges
  • 5/21/2025

The Collegedale Police Department arrested a man on multiple felony charges following a suspicious activity call on Tuesday at the Chick-fil-A at 8959 Old Lee Highway. Around 9:30 p.m., ... more