Two Chattanooga police officers also arrived on the scene and they were informed that the woman who lived there might still be inside. The officers tried to get in the house, but the flames were too intense.
Chattanooga firefighters arrived moments later and they too tried to enter the house. Captain Skyler Phillips with Quint 21 said the heat and flames were just too intense for the firefighters to get to the woman. One firefighter, dressed in full protective gear, received burns to one of his ears while attempting to get inside.
The firefighters eventually got the blaze under control, but the damage was extensive. Battalion Chief Rick Boatwright said the firefighters found the victim inside the house. She was pronounced dead on the scene. The man who is believed to be her husband was transported to a local hospital by Hamilton County EMS. Information on his condition was not available. The names of the victims are being withheld until all next-of-kin have been notified.
The Major Crimes Division with the Chattanooga Police Department is assisting with the investigation, which is standard protocol when fatalities are involved. Hamilton County's Marine Rehab also provided assistance on the scene.
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