UPDATE: Chattanooga fire investigators say they are suspicious of the cause of a fire that broke out earlier today.
They believe the blaze, which had a dollar loss of an estimated $50,000, may have been started intentionally.
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Firefighters responded to a duplex fire at 4614 Kemp Drive at 9:41 this morning.
The first firefighters on the scene observed heavy smoke and flames coming from the a window on the right side of the duplex. Because of the distance of the structure from the nearest hydrant, Battalion Chief Rick Boatwright requested two additional fire companies to assist with the long water supply line, and for additional personnel on the scene. With the hot temperatures and high humidity, extra precautions are being taken to keep the firefighters hydrated, and to rotate the crews on fire scenes.
Capt. Danny Usher with Engine 15 said the firefighters took in a hand-held hoseline to make an interior attack, and had the fire out within 10 minutes. The fire damage was contained to a couple of rooms. The rest of that side of the duplex had smoke and water damage. No injuries were reported. An estimate on the dollar loss was not available.
An adult male on the scene told firefighters that he was just in the process of moving into one side of the duplex this morning. The other side is unoccupied.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee were requested to provide assistance to the man displaced by the fire. Chattanooga police, Hamilton County EMS and EPB also provided assistance on the scene.