All Hands Fire in East Ridge

EAST RIDGE, TENN – Friday, November 7, 2008 – At about 7:45 PM, East Ridge firefighters
were alerted to a residential structure fire at 723 Maryland Circle.  Firefighters were on the scene
within minutes and Quint 1 reported a single story wood frame with heavy fire from the roof.  All
hands immediately went to work and an “all call” was issued for off duty personnel.  Fort
Oglethorpe (Georgia) Engine 10 was dispatched for automatic aid.

Several hand lines were placed into operation and firefighters attempted entry into the residence
from both the front and rear of the residence.  Unfortunately there were massive quantities of
items blocking the doors making entry next to impossible.  Due to the amount of fire present and
for firefighter safety the operation went to a defensive attack immediately. In addition to
numerous hand lines, the stick from Quint 1 was placed into service pumping massive quantities
of water into the structure.  

Due to the large quantity of material inside the structure, firefighters continued pumping water
well into the night and used foam to totally extinguish the fire.  The approximately 1500 square
foot home was considered a total loss.  The value was placed at approximately $80,000.

There were no injuries incurred as a result of the fire.  The cause of the fire has not yet been
determined and is under investigation.