Chattanooga fire investigators are trying to determine what led to an apparent fire fatality around 7:00 this morning. The fire occurred at 514 Tall Timber Trail, which was occupied by a man and his girlfriend. Contributed photo.
Chattanooga fire investigators are trying to determine what led to an apparent fire fatality around 7:00 this morning. The fire occurred at 514 Tall Timber Trail, which was occupied by a man and his girlfriend. Contributed photo.Map
514 Tall Timber Trail
Chattanooga fire investigators are trying to determine what led to an apparent fire fatality around 7 a.m. today. The fire occurred at 514 Tall Timber Trail, which was occupied by a man and his girlfriend, the Chattanooga Fire Department said.
The man told firefighters that they woke to the smell of smoke. He started to get out of the house, but he said his girlfriend "ran down the hallway looking for her dog."
The man said he yelled and screamed for her to come out with him, but she continued to look for the dog.
The two were now separated and the heat became so intense, the man said he had to get out. He escaped through a window and ran to a neighbor's house to call 911.
The Chattanooga Fire Department responded with four fire companies. Firefighters with Engine 22 were the first on the scene. Lt. Terry Jones said the whole back of the house was engulfed in fire, with flames shooting through the roof.
Battalion Chief Phil Hyman said the firefighters tried to make entry through the front door, but were driven back by the intense heat and flames. As additional fire companies arrived on the scene, the firefighters worked to surround the house and get the blaze under control. The house was considered a total loss.
Around 9 a.m., firefighters found a body inside the house. The body was expected to be transported to the Hamilton County Medical Examiner's Office, where the victim's identity and cause of death will be confirmed.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Chattanooga Police Department's Major Crimes Division is also investigating, which is standard procedure when a fatality is involved.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross were called to the scene to provide assistance to the surviving victim. Chattanooga police, Hamilton County EMS and Chattanooga-Hamilton County Rescue also provided valuable assistance on the scene.
The names of the two residents are being withheld until the name of the deceased is confirmed, and relatives have been notified.