A woman lost her life early Wednesday morning after fire erupted in her home, leaving her husband and brother injured after they tried to extinguish the flames.
A neighbor called Catoosa County E-911 shortly before 4 a.m. reporting the house next door at 113 Garden Grove Lane was on fire. The first of several responding fire companies arrived on the scene reporting heavy fire and smoke conditions throughout most of the home. The homeowner was outside with visible injuries to his hands and told firefighters his wife was still inside. The woman’s brother was also outside with severe burns.
Firefighters attempted to rescue the woman, but she was found in a bedroom having succumbed to her injuries. Her brother was transported by Puckett EMS to a hospital in critical condition. The woman’s husband declined to be taken to a hospital.
The Red Cross was called to the scene to help the homeowner with immediate needs. The condition of the victim’s brother is currently unknown. An investigation is underway to determine what caused the fire.
Also, two residents who were injured in a Chattanooga fire that also broke out Wednesday morning have died. An apparent electrical issue sparked that house fire on the city’s east side. The two residents, a woman, 76, and a man, 71, were rescued but later died.
Chattanooga Fire Department Green Shift companies responded at 6:50 a.m. to a home in the 3900 block of Grace Avenue. Flames were visible on the back corner of the structure as crews arrived in the scene.
The residents were on the front porch, including a handicapped occupant. Firefighters got them down the front steps to safety.
Meanwhile, other firefighters started a fire attack on a shed on the back of the house. The interior of the home was searched as a precaution and no one was found.
The shed fire started to spread to the residence, but firefighters stopped it before it could cause more damage. The fire was extinguished and crews checked for any further extension. There were no injuries.
Engine 4, Engine 15, Engine 6, Engine 5, Squad 7, Battalion 2, Battalion 3, HCEMS, CPD and EPB responded.