The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 5:40 a.m. and responded to the Shallowford Manor Apartments with several engine companies. The fire was in Apartment 14 and Chattanooga firefighters managed to put the fire out with a portable extinguisher.
Damage to the apartment was minimal, and no injuries were reported.
After conducting some interviews and examining the physical evidence, Fire Investigator Henry McElvain determined that the fire had been intentionally set. Kelvin Bryant, 29, initially told McElvain and Chattanooga police investigators that he was accosted by four men, who robbed him of a large amount of cash, and then set the apartment unit on fire.
After being questioned about some inconsistencies in his statements, Mr. Bryant confessed to starting the fire, saying he has a gambling problem and was attempting to hide his losses from his wife by fabricating a robbery story.
Police said that once Mr. Bryant started the fire with a candle, he evidently changed his mind and alerted his family, and another resident next door. All got out safely. Mr. Bryant is the one who called 9-1-1.
Since other lives were endangered, Mr. Bryant was charged with Aggravated Arson, and transported to the county jail early this afternoon for booking.
