05-11-2013 Juvenile Playing with Lighter Leads to House Fire

The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm shortly before 6:00 p.m. and responded to 3620 Perry Street with four fire companies.

Captain Chris Fryar with Engine 15 said light smoke was visible when his crew arrived on the scene. All of the occupants were safely out of the house.

The fire was located in a bedroom. Captain Fryar said a good portion of the room was engulfed in flames, but they were able to get the fire out within a few minutes. The fire damage was contained to the bedroom,but the rest of the house sustained smoke and water damage. The dollar loss was estimated at around $20,000 for the structure and contents.

Since the fire damaged the wiring in the house, EPB was called in to remove the meter, meaning the family of four adults, one juvenile and one infant would have to stay elsewhere. Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee were called in to provide assistance to the family.

After talking with the family, Captain Fryar said the juvenile admitted to playing with a cigarette lighter, lighting several different materials on fire on the floor of the bedroom.

The Chattanooga Fire Department would like to remind parents that they should keep matches and cigarette lighters out of the reach of small children.

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