Early Morning House Fire Damages Home On Wheeler Avenue

  • Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Chattanooga firefighters responded to a house fire around 3 a.m. on Wednesday at 2302 Wheeler Ave.

Upon arrival, Captain David Brooks with Engine 4 said there was dark smoke coming from one side of one-story, wood-frame house. As additional fire companies began to arrive on the scene, the firefighters made their way inside and found the fire in a bathroom, though the flames were beginning to spread to adjacent rooms. The fire was quickly extinguished. No injuries were reported.

All of the occupants of the home got out safely. Volunteers with the American Red Cross were called in to assist the six people who lived there.

The cause of the fire is being ruled accidental. One of the occupants told Captain Brooks that their power had been shut off and they were using candles for light. The dollar loss from the fire was estimated at $20,000. 

From 2011-2015, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 8,700 home structure fires that were started by candles per year. These fires caused an annual average of 82 deaths, 800 injuries and $295 million in direct property damage. (Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Here are some safety tips related to candles:

- Whenever possible, use flashlights or flameless candles.
- Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that will burn.
- Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
- Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
- Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children's reach.
Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 3/28/2024

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: ADERHOLT, FELICIA DAWN 1110 ST CLAIR ST DUNLAP, 37327 Age at Arrest: 37 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Booked for Previous ... more

Signal Mountain Must Determine How To Use Remainder Of ARPA Funds
  • 3/27/2024

The town of Signal Mountain has $358,637 remaining from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds it received and there must be a plan in place by the end of the year for how the money will be ... more

Chattanooga Man Gets 21-Year Sentence For Fentanyl Death Of 19-Year-Old
Chattanooga Man Gets 21-Year Sentence For Fentanyl Death Of 19-Year-Old
  • 3/27/2024

A 25-year-old Chattanooga man, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for supplying drugs that led to the death of 19-year-old Charlotte Gallant. Jonathan Bash appeared before Judge Curtis ... more