A home was destroyed by fire Monday, Jan. 9, at the 1500 block of Dallas Lake Road in the Hixson area of Hamilton County. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County Emergency Services)A home was destroyed by fire Monday in the Hixson area, according to a Hamilton County Emergency Services news release.
The fire was reported about 3:40 p.m. from the 1500 block of Dallas Lake Road. A neighbor called 911 reporting his neighbor's front porch was on fire.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office deputies were the first units on the scene confirming a fire on the front porch and traveling into the attic. Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene and reported a fully involved house fire.
Rachel Thurman was asleep when the fire broke out and was able to escape without injury. The other renter, Tim Hartley, was not home at the time of the fire.
Dallas Bay VFD Chief Fritts explained Thurman had been smoking on the front porch before she went to bed. Fritts said the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office will be investigating the cause of the fire. Fire officials say the fire started on the front porch but the cause has not been determined at this time.
No injuries were reported but Hamilton County EMS was on the scene for any potential injuries to the firefighters.
Fire officials reported the house is a total loss and damages are listed at $60,000. The homeowner, Jimmy Brown, was notified of the fire.
Fire officials requested the American Red Cross to assist Hartley and Thurman with temporary housing and their immediate needs. Soddy Daisy Fire Department, Sequoyah VFD and Red Fire Department were on stand by for an additional emergency calls in Dallas Bay's district.