02-10-2013 Family Homeless After Early Morning Fire

The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm shortly after 4:00 a.m. and responded with several fire companies to 1712 Rubio Street.

Captain Carlos Hampton with Engine 4 said Destiny Shepherd woke to the smell of smoke, so she woke up her boyfriend and cousin. Ms. Shepherd told Captain Hampton that ss she was trying to get everyone out of the house, she noticed that neither her boyfriend or cousin grabbed any of her three children. So, she ran back into the house, while the two men stood outside and watched. Captain Hampton said the Ms. Shepherd grabbed her three children, everyone's wallets, a diaper bag and a bottle for the baby. Fortunately, she did all of this and was lucky enough not to be injured or killed.

As additional fire companies began to arrive, Captain Hampton said flames were shooting out the windows on at least two sides of the house. The first firefighters who attempted to enter the structure were forced back by the intense heat. Captain Hampton believes they experienced a "flashover." After getting the fire suppressed from the outside, the firefighters were able to enter the house, getting the fire under control in 30 to 45 minutes.

The dollar loss was estimated at around $30,000. Volunteers with the American Red Cross were called to the scene to provide assistance to the family, including help with a temporary place to stay, and help with food, clothing, and medicine if needed. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Chattanooga police, Hamilton County EMS and EPB also provided valuable assistance on the scene.

* A flashover is the near-simultaneous ignition of most of the directly exposed combustible material in an enclosed area. The room bursts into flames and has often has the effect of looking like an explosion. Firefighters die in flashovers every year.

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