Tenn. Firefighter Pulls Woman From House Fire

Jan. 06--KNOXVILLE -- A Bearden woman was carried to safety by a Knoxville firefighter after her home caught fire early this morning.

The Knoxville Fire Department responded just before 5 a.m. to 458 Circle Hill Drive, where they found the house full of smoke but no visible flames, according to KFD Capt. D.J. Corcoran.

The woman later told investigators that she had thrown the smoldering embers of a fire starter log down the fireplace clean-out chute and into the basement the night before, Corcoran said.

Flames traveled between the walls and into the attic space, breaching the roof before firefighters could gain access.

Arriving fire crews were met outside on the street by the homeowner's adult daughter, who said her mother was still inside.

Kevin Baldwin, a KFD master firefighter, located the mother and carried her out of the house, Corcoran said.

The woman, who was not identified, was transported to Parkwest Medical Center for observation, he said.

Corcoran cautioned residents to always dispose of ashes in a metal container with an airtight lid. He also recommended that fireplaces and chimneys be inspected by a certified chimney sweep before use. And always burn seasoned hard wood, he added. Never use damp or green wood that can leave unburned particles to build up in the chimney area.

More details as they develop online and in Monday's News Sentinel.

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