A Chattanooga man has been charged with arson, accused of setting a house on fire while a woman slept on the couch inside.

John Chapple, 58, has been charged with aggravated arson in connection with the June 6 incident, said Bruce Garner, spokesman for the Chattanooga Fire Department.

Police believe Chapple set the fire following a domestic dispute, Garner said, but Chapple denied any involvement in the fire.

On June 6, Patricia Sales told police she was asleep on the couch in her home at 2210 Milne St. when she awoke to the smell of smoke. She got out safely and called 911.

Firefighters arrived moments later and quickly doused the fire.