12-19-2013 Two of Nine Dogs Perish in House Fire

Engine 9 immediately responded, along with three other fire companies.

Captain David Barie with Engine 9 said smoke was showing on one side of the house. The firefighters forced their way in through the front door, while others entered through a side door, and together they quickly extinguished the blaze. Captain Barie said no one appeared to be home at the time, but nine pet dogs were inside. The firefighters managed to save seven of the nine dogs. The residents, including Steven Kittle, arrived shortly after the fire had been extinguished.

The fire damage was contained to two rooms, but the rest of the house was smoked up. An estimate on the dollar loss was not available. Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee were called in to provide assistance to Mr. Kittle and the other two adults who lived there.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Chattanooga police, EPB, Hamilton County EMS and the McKamey Animal Center also provided valuable assistance on the scene.

In the photo: Captain Don Bowman, second from the right, talks with Steven Kittle, holding one of his dogs that survived the fire. His home is in the background.