05-10-2013 Fire Leaves Elderly Woman Homeless

Battalion Chief Jeff Eldridge said the firefighters quickly grabbed handheld hoselines and made their way inside. They didn't find anyone.

Chief Eldridge said most of the fire was located toward the rear of the house, but was spreading rapidly into the walls and attic. The firefighters got the blaze under control in roughly 30 minutes, but there was substantial damage to the house. No injuries were reported.

The only resident of the house, 79-year-old Marie Swafford, was not home when the fire broke out. Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee were called in to provide assistance to Ms. Swafford, including help with replacing medications and food, and a temporary place to stay.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Chattanooga police and Hamilton County EMS also provided assistance on the scene.

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