09-05-17 Lightning Sparks Blaze on Big Ridge

Chief Warren said the firefighters initially tried an interior attack. However, with flames shooting through the roof, the conditions deteriorated quickly, so Chief Warren ordered the firefighters out of the house. From that point on, the firefighters used a defensive attack and worked to extinguish the fire from the outside. The firefighters eventually got the blaze under control, but the damage to the home was substantial. No injuries were reported.

A husband and wife live in the house, along with a dog and two cats. The wife was home at the time and she got out safely with their dog. The two cats have not been found yet.

The wife told firefighters that she heard and felt a lightning strike shortly before the fire broke out. Chief Warren said a severe thunderstorm was passing through that area at the time and lightning was very likely the cause of the fire. Chattanooga police and Hamilton County EMS also provided assistance on the scene.