Map
Fire
Chattanooga firefighters responded to a house fire at 1904 Milne St. shortly after 3 p.m. today.
As the first of five fire companies arrived on the scene, neighbors said the occupant of the house might still be inside. Battalion Chief Jeff Eldridge said the firefighters quickly grabbed handheld hoselines and made their way inside. They didn't find anyone.
The only resident of the house, 79-year-old Marie Swafford, was not home when the fire broke out.
Eldridge said most of the fire was located toward the rear of the house, but was spreading rapidly into the walls and attic. The firefighters got the blaze under control in roughly 30 minutes, but there was substantial damage to the house. No injuries were reported.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee were called in to provide assistance to Swafford, including help with replacing medications and food, and a temporary place to stay.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Chattanooga police and Hamilton County EMS also provided assistance on the scene.