 | |  | |  | |  |
| Early Morning Fire Destroys North Georgia House FORT OGLETHORPE, GA – At about 4:30 AM, the Catoosa County, Georgia 9-1-1 Center received a call reporting a residential structure fire in the 200 block of West State Line Road in Fort Oglethorpe. At about the same time, the Hamilton County, Tennessee Communications Center was receiving calls of a residential structure fire in the 700 block of West State Line Road in East Ridge. Both Fort Oglethorpe Fire and Rescue and East Ridge Fire Departments responded. East Ridge Battalion 1, Commander Billy Quintrell was the first to arrive and he found a single story, wood frame dwelling with heavy involvement. East Ridge Quint 1 was close behind and immediately pulled an inch and three quarter line and began a fast attack. When Fort Oglethorpe Engine 1 arrived they laid a supply line from the hydrant at Greens Lake Road and State Line Road and began to assist in the attack. Firefighters were able to quickly establish that no one was inside the residence and due to the heavy fire load the fire was fought in a defensive mode only. It was determined that the fire was actually in Georgia and upon his arrival, Fort Oglethorpe Assistant Chief Glenn Davis (903) assumed command. As additional resources arrived on Fort Oglethorpe Ladder 1 and Squad 8, all hands went to work. Fort Oglethorpe Air/Light 1 also responded for air support. Unfortunately with the head start that it had before being reported, the fire consumed the entire structure. The house was in the process of being remodeled and the person doing the work was staying in a camper at the rear of the structure. No one was actually believed to be in the house when the fire started. Neighbors reporting the fire said they initially saw flames in a front room on the A/B corner of the house but the exact origin and cause of the fire are under investigation at this time. Although no injuries were reported, Angel EMS was on the scene in case of medical emergency. Nearby intersections were blocked and the road closed to traffic by the East Ridge Police Department for the safety of the firefighters. |
| | | | | | |