Battalion Chief Rick Boatwright
No injuries were reported in connection with a house fire late Saturday afternoon. The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm shortly before 6 p.m. and responded to 4605 Kemp Drive with five fire companies.
Battalion Chief Rick Boatwright said the fire started in the kitchen and then spread into the attic. The firefighters were able to bring the fire under control, but there was substantial damage to the house.
Chief Boatwright estimated the loss at $50,000.
The cause of the fire is being ruled accidental. Chief Boatwright said a stove eye had been left on, igniting materials that were left on top of the stove. Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee were called in to provide assistance to the family, which included two adults and one two-year-old child. Chattanooga police, Hamilton County EMS and Chattanooga-Hamilton County Rescue also provided assistance.