Captain Danny Usher took this photo of Senior Firefighter Julius Hubbard and Firefighter Brandon Polk, both with Engine 15, as they began their attack on the duplex fire on Kemp Drive.
By Bruce Garner
Chattanooga (TN) firefighters responded to a duplex fire at 4614 Kemp Drive at 9:41 Thursday morning. The first firefighters on the scene with Engine 15 observed heavy smoke and flames coming from the a window on the right side of the duplex. Due to the distance of the structure from the nearest hydrant, Battalion Chief Rick Boatwright requested two additional fire companies to assist with the long water supply line, and for additional personnel on the scene. With the hot temperatures and high humidity, extra precautions are being taken to keep the firefighters hydrated, and to rotate the crews on fire scenes.
Captain Danny Usher with Engine 15 said the firefighters took in a hand-held hoseline to make an interior attack, and had the fire out within 10 minutes. The fire damage was contained to a couple of rooms. The rest of that side of the duplex had smoke and water damage. No injuries were reported. An estimate on the dollar loss was not available.
An adult male on the scene told firefighters that he was just in the process of moving into one side of the duplex this morning. The other side is unoccupied. Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee were requested to provide assistance to the man displaced by the fire. Chattanooga police, Hamilton County EMS, and EPB also provided assistance on the scene.
Chattanooga fire investigators don’t believe this fire at 4614 Kemp Drive was an accident. Captain Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division says the cause of the fire appears to be suspicious in nature. The dollar loss was estimated at $50,000. The investigation will continue.
Bruce Garner is the Chattanooga (TN) Fire Department Public Information Director.
