Smoke Alarm Saves Chattanooga Woman In Afternoon House Fire

When she went to investigate, she saw flames in the living room. She grabbed her cat and left the house, calling 911 at a neighbor's house.

The firefighters got the blaze under control quickly, but the fire caused substantial damage. Chief Biggs estimated the dollar loss at $40,000. Volunteers with the American Red Cross were called in to provide assistance to Ms. Shropshire and her husband, who was away at the time of the fire.

Fire Investigator Andrew Waters said the cause of the fire appears to be accidental, most likely from a candle.