NEWS RELEASE
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On December 8th at 7:36 p.m., the Johnson City Fire Department responded to a structural fire at 310 W Unaka Ave.
Upon arrival, units found light smoke visible on the exterior of the home. Initially, the occupant had reported the fire was in the basement; however, upon further investigation it was determined the fire was in the attic. Crews accessed the attic. The fire was burning in the attic as well as an interior wall in a bedroom. The occupant of the home was able to evacuate the home with her dog prior to arrival of the fire department. There were no injuries.
An aggressive attack by first arriving companies quickly contained the fire to the areas of origin. The fire was brought under control at 8:06 p.m. The crews remained on the scene for a couple of more hours working to insure the fire was completely extinguished. These efforts were complicated because of involvement of cellulose insulation in the attack.
The fire was determined to have ignited when the electrical wiring in the attic suffered a failure. The home's wiring was an obsolete-type of wiring commonly found in home constructed during the 1930's and 1940's. The damage indicated the fire had been burning for some time prior its discovery by the occupant. "The damage to the attic and ceiling indicated the fire had been burning for a long time", said Lt. Barry Richardson. "It is possible its burned for more than four to five hours before we received the call", he stated.
The home had smoke detectors in the living area, but there were no detectors in the attic. The detectors failed to operate. This is the second time in two days where smoke detectors were absent or failed to operate. According to Lt. Jason Powell, "We will provide smoke detectors to homes in the city if they are not present or functioning properly." Any one needing assistance with smoke detectors should contact the department at 423-975-2840.
Two engine companies, a ladder company, the department's manpower squad, and shift supervisor responded to the scene. A total of 12 firefighters were on the scene. Washington County EMS and the Johnson City Police Department also responded.
Please contact Lt. Jason Powell at 423-483-5819 if you have any additional questions concerning this incident.
Lt./EMTP Jason Powell
Johnson City, TN Fire Dept.
B-Shift - "North Battalion"
Station 5
205 Broyles Dr.
Johnson City, TN 37601
Station: (423) 283-5804
Cell: (423) 483-5819
Fax: (423) 283-5885
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