Firefighters Find Body In Duplex Fire

The Chattanooga Fire Department received the initial alarm at 5:50 this morning and responded with four fire companies to 1802 Wilcox Boulevard.

Firefighters from Station 4 were the first on the scene. Captain David Brooks said the whole front of the A side of the duplex was engulfed in fire, with flames shooting out the windows. A couple who lived in the B side of the duplex could not confirm for firefighters whether or not their neighbor was still inside or not.

As other fire companies began to arrive on the scene, Captain Brooks said the firefighters attacked the fire through the large, front window. After partially knocking down the fire, the firefighters crawled through the window while other firefighters kicked the front door open. While some firefighters worked to get the blaze under control, other firefighters searched the apartment for victims. Moments later, Captain Brooks said firefighters found the body of an adult male on the kitchen floor.

The cause of death and the cause of the fire are both under investigation by investigators.

Volunteers with the American Red Cross were called in to provide assistance to the fire victims who lived on the other side of the duplex. Hamilton County EMS also provided valuable assistance on the scene.

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In the photo: Fire and police investigators begin their work outside the burned out side of the duplex..