photo by Cpt. Scott McCullough
A large vacant house in Ridgedale burned early Tuesday morning.
Chattanooga firefighters received the initial alarm at 12:41 a.m. and responded with four fire companies to 2800 E. 18th Street Place. Lt. Tim Waters with Engine 5 said he could see the smoke from several blocks away. Lt. Waters said the house was roughly 50 percent involved in fire when they arrived on the scene, with smoke and flames shooting out several windows.
The firefighters made an initial interior attack, but due to the severity of the fire, the firefighters were pulled out and they switched to a defensive attack. Captain David Thompson Jr., the incident commander, said an additional fire company was requested due to the size of the fire. Captain Thompson said it took the firefighters about an hour to get the blaze under control. No injuries were reported. The house was considered a total loss.
The house was vacant and there were indications that it might be in the process of being renovated. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Hamilton County EMS, Chattanooga Police and EPB also provided assistance on the scene.