Rubber mulch caught fire Saturday afternoon and burnt down a backyard playground. (Photo by Battalion Chief Rick Boatwright)A firefighter has been taken to Erlanger after being injured in a fire Saturday afternoon, according to a press release from the Chattanooga Fire Department.
The homeowner told firefighters he had been burning weeds with a torch around a playground in the backyard when the rubber mulch covering the area caught on fire. The fire burned up the play area and moved toward the home.
When firefighters arrived, the flames were melting the siding of the house, but they were able to extinguish it quickly.
Battalion Chief Rick Boatwright said one firefighter was injured when he climbed into the attic to ensure the fire didn't get inside. As he started to climb back down, the ladder collapsed and he fell to the floor. His injuries were non-life-threatening.
The dollar loss from the fire was estimated at $5,000.