04-13-2013 Fire Damages Home in Hixson

According to a passer-by, who dialed 911, fire was visible around the back of the residence located at 5501 Cassandra Smith Road. Neighbors also began to call 911 and report that the porch, shed and house were on fire. When fire trucks from Station 19, located on Hixson Pike, began to respond they reported seeing heavy black smoke while in route to the address. It took only a few minutes for fire companies to arrive on the scene and confirm that a shed with two vehicles, the covered porch, and the back of the house were on fire. Fire operations were begun and the fire was brought under control quickly.

Fire Investigator Captain Anthony Moore was called to the scene to conduct an investigation. This is standard for fire incidents that occur when no one is at the residence. Captain Moore determined that the fire was accidental, most likely caused by or near a riding lawn mower that had been parked under the porch by a family member of Ms. Brown after he had used it to cut grass. It had been parked less than thirty minutes before fire was noticed. Damages were estimated to be around $70,000. Ms. Brown was offered Red Cross services but decided to stay with family.

The Chattanooga Police, Hamilton county EMS and the Electric Power Board all provided assistance.

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