02-25-16 Two Arson Fires Last Night Under Investigation

The first incident occurred a few minutes before midnight at 6302 Talladega Avenue. Captain Andrew Waters with the Fire Investigation Division said someone threw an incendiary device at a window on the house. The device bounced off the window and landed in the yard. A resident came out of the house and quickly put the fire out. No one was injured and the dollar loss was estimated at about $100 for the cracked window.

The second incident occurred not far away at 2711 Curtis Street, just after midnight. Captain Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division said an incendiary device was thrown through a window, landing in the kitchen/dining area. Chattanooga firefighters arrived moments later and put the fire out with a portable fire extinguisher. The dollar loss was estimated at $1,000. No one was injured.

The investigation so far indicates that the two houses were not targeted randomly. Captain McElvain said both incidents appear to be gang-related. Chattanooga police are also assisting with the investigation. If anyone has any information about these two incidents, they are urged to call the Chattanooga Police Department at (423) 698-2525.