11/2/2007

Two families were forced from their homes Thursday night when fire ripped through their Brainerd duplex.  The fire was discovered at 7:26 p.m. when Pearlene Kelly in Apartment A saw smoke in her laundry room and called 911.  The Chattanooga Fire Department responded to 3706 Chula Vista Drive with four fire companies.

When the first firefighters arrived on the scene smoke was visible around the duplex, but when the firefighters forced their way into Apartment B of the duplex, they discovered fire in the kitchen.  Battalion Chief Ben Biggs said the flames had begun to penetrate the wall dividing the duplex before the firefighters were able to get the blaze under control.  No injuries were reported.

Chief Biggs said Angelina Goins had just moved in to Apartment B earlier that afternoon.  She had the power turned on and reportedly went to get more of her belongings.  When she returned, she saw firefighters putting out the fire in her new home.  The dollar loss was estimated at around $35,000.  Most of the fire damage was in Apartment B, but there was smoke and water damage to the other side and the power had to be disconnected.  Volunteers with the American Red Cross were called in to assist both families with overnight accommodations and other assistance.

Captain Lesley Morgan with the Fire Investigation Division said the cause of the fire appears to be accidental, though what exactly sparked the blaze remains undetermined.

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