Duplex fire ousts families

An early morning duplex fire in the 4500 block of Rogers Road left two families temporarily homeless.

The Chattanooga Fire Department said it sent five companies to contain the fire, which started in the kitchen of the “A” side of the duplex about 3:01 a.m. Saturday. The fire started when cooking food ignited. No injuries were reported.

“Flames were beginning to get into the attic” before they could get the blaze under control, Battalion Chief Rick Boatwright said in a news release. The rest of the duplex suffered smoke and water damage, department spokesman Bruce Garner said.

Each unit housed two adults. American Red Cross volunteers have offered aid, Garner said.