2 children killed in Chickamauga fire; 5 other people survive

Two young girls, ages 6 years old and 8 months old, died in a mobile home fire in Chickamauga early Tuesday morning, Sept. 13. Glenn Allen, a spokesman for Georgia's fire marshal, said five children and two adults were inside the residence on Carrabou Lane when the blaze broke out shortly before 6 a.m. Allen said the parents were able to get three of the children out of the house, but the two children were killed. According to Walker County Fire Chief Randy Camp, sheriff’s Deputy J.D. Holland was first on the scene. When Holland arrived, he discovered seven people occupying the residence. The father was able to escape the back of the mobile home and ran around to the front, where he broke through the front window and was able to remove three of his children. When firefighters arrived to the scene, the trailer was 80-90 percent involved. The two adults and three other children, all suffering from smoke inhalation, were transported to Erlanger hospital in Chattanooga. From Walker County School Superintendent Damon Raines: “The superintendent received confirmation from the Sheriff’s Department early this morning concerning a house fire that involved one of our families. With a heavy heart, we are sad to report the loss of one of our precious students during this terrible accident. We are working closely with the family and the school to assure they are surrounded with resources during this tragic time of loss. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.” Camp said firefighters were able to enter the residence shortly after 9 a.m. One firefighter suffered minor first-degree burns to his right shoulder. When firefighters first arrived, there were two points of entry. The bulk of the fire was in the center of the residence. One team went in to search for the 6-year-old, while another team went in to search for the 8-month-old, Camp said. Camp said firefighters aggressively attacked the fire until they located the two children. The family was scattered inside the home at the time of the fire. The two victims were on opposite sides from each other when the fire occurred. A propane tank connected to a barbecue grill at the back of the residence exploded while the structure was in flames, Camp said. The 6-year-old was the daughter of the two adults and the 8-month-old was their granddaughter, who was staying with the grandparents at the time of the fire, Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson said. Wilson said investigators are interviewing the family at the hospital at this time.

Josh O'Bryant is a general assignment reporter and covers the Walker-Catoosa County area. He can be reached at the Walker County Messenger office at 706-638-1859 and by email at jobryant@npco.com.

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