An early morning fire today forced six people from their home.
Four adults and two children were in the home at 4206 Wilkesview Drive when the fire was discovered, but all got out of the house safely, said Chattanooga Fire Department spokesman Bruce Garner in a news release.
The Chattanooga Fire Department was dispatched to the home, located near the Highway 153 and Highway 58 interchange, shortly before 1 a.m. Battalion Chief Mike Knox said about 75 percent of the house was engulfed in flames when the first firefighters arrived.
Lt. Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division said the fire was started by an adult woman in the house who was described as mentally disabled. Lt. McElvain said the woman told firefighters that she was burning paper in an ashtray and the flames spread to some window curtains and blinds. Lt. McElvain said the cause of the fire will be listed as unintentional and no charges will be filed.
The family was renting the house but did not have renter's insurance. Volunteers with the American Red Cross were called in to provide assistance to the family, including help with food, clothing and a temporary stay in a local motel.
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