01-16-14 Heat Lamp Linked to House Fire in Hixson

Homeowner Randy Sarver, his wife and daughter all got out of the house safely, along with their four dogs. Unfortunately, their pet lizard, a Bearded Dragon, did not survive.

Mr. Sarver told firefighters that the fire was in the rear bedroom, and he thought he got the fire out with a garden hose. Captain Gordon said some firefighters entered the bedroom with a hand-held hoseline. They confirmed that most of the fire appeared to be out, except for a few hot spots.

The cause of the fire appears to be accidental. Captain Gordon said the fire was most likely started by a malfunctioning heat lamp that was used to keep the lizard warm. The dollar loss was estimated at around $3,000.