Two people were sent to local hospitals and 28 people were left homeless after a fire Thursday at Park Ridge Apartments in East Ridge, according to a news release from the East Ridge Fire Department.
East Ridge Fire, East Ridge Police and Memorial EMS were dispatched at about 4:14 p.m. to a reported apartment fire with possible entrapment in the 700 block of Frawley Road. Crews arriving on the scene reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the roof of the 1000 building, according to Fire Chief and Tri-State Mutual Aid Assistant Coordinator Mike Williams.
A second alarm was requested for additional resources and manpower. The first arriving crews started searching for victims while other crews started extinguishing the fire. Two people were taken to local hospitals. Their conditions are unknown at this time.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by both East Ridge Fire and Chattanooga Fire Department investigators.
It appears that 16 apartments were effected, with 28 occupants. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced occupants.
Mutual aid was provided by Chattanooga Squad 13, Chattanooga Ladder 13, Catoosa Engine 7, Catoosa Truck 3, Hamilton County Rescue at the scene and Chattanooga Engine 5 and Rossville Engine 1 covering at our station one to answer any additional calls for service.
- Compiled by Jody Park