03-27-2013 Cause of Apartment Fire Ruled Accidental

[Original Release]

Fire displaced several families early this morning at an apartment complex off Morrison Springs Road in Chattanooga. One of the residents at Bluff View at Mountain Creek, Lawton Shoemake, told firefighters that a smoke alarm woke him up. When he got up to investigate, he could see flames through an air vent in the wall. Mr. Shoemake got out safely, as did the other eight residents in the four-unit apartment building.

The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 3:03 a.m. and responded to 758 Cherish View with six fire companies. Captain Craig Haney with Quint 17 said the majority of the fire was in the walls, and the flames were spreading up into the attic. Firefighters had to cut into the walls and in the roof to get to the fire. Battalion Chief Jeff Eldridge said it took roughly 30 minutes to get the fire under control. No injuries were reported, but one pet cat reportedly died from smoke inhalation. The dollar loss was estimated at around $200,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee were called in to provide assistance to the eight displaced residents, including warm blankets, food and a temporary place to stay. Chattanooga police, Hamilton County EMS and EPB also provided valuable assistance on the scene.

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