11-15-14 Vacant House Fire Under Investigation

The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 10:46 a.m. and responded to 2207 Fairleigh Street with four fire companies.

Captain Carlos Hampton and his firefighters with Engine 4 could see a huge plume of smoke as they drove to the scene. Captain Hampton said the whole right side of the house was engulfed in flames. Firefighters forced their way in through the front door and searched the house for occupants. Fortunately, no one was inside.

An additional fire company was called in as firefighters on the scene located the bulk of the fire in the attic. Captain Hampton said the fire had extended into the walls and a false ceiling, making it difficult for the firefighters to gain access to the flames to get them out.

When the fire could not be brought under control, the firefighters were ordered out of the house to make a defensive attack on the fire. They set up a master stream from an aerial on one of the fire trucks and continued efforts to extinguish the fire and keep it from spreading to adjacent houses. No one was injured.

Captain Hampton said a track-hoe with city public works was called in to finish demolishing the house, which helped the firefighters finish putting out hot spots, and removed a hazard to the surrounding neighborhood.

The house had reportedly been vacant for an extended period of time, and there was no power to the building. The cause of the fire is under investigation.