One elderly woman was injured and at least five people were displaced after a duplex building fire near Rossville Boulevard on Wednesday morning, according to a news release from the Chattanooga Fire Department.
Shortly after 6 a.m., Chattanooga fire crews responded to the 4900 block of English Avenue after a report of a fire at a residence. Crews arrived to find "heavy fire coming out of the front and side of the structure," the release stated. Additional responders were later called to the scene to assist with firefighting operations and rescue efforts.
After both housing units of the duplex were searched, fire officials learned that all of the residents were accounted for and no one was trapped in the structure. An elderly woman suffered injuries in the fire and was transported to a local hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and burns to her hands, investigators said.
Multiple crews were able to contain the fire in approximately 45 minutes. At least five people were displaced and will be receiving assistance from the American Red Cross, and several cats were found deceased.
Authorities have not identified an official cause of the fire.
- Compiled by Kiara Green