Tremont Street house fire

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – A burning candle left unattended was the cause of a house fire on Tremont Street Thursday morning.

Chattanooga Firefighters were on their way to an automatic fire alarm at the UTC housing unit at Guerry Apartments when they were diverted to the house fire.

Firefighters found heavy smoke coming from an attic apartment.

The homeowner told them everyone was out.

The tenant told them about the candle.

Property damage is estimated at $20,000 with an additional $5,000 for the contents.

City building officials declared the home unsafe.

The homeowner said he had a place to stay and would take care of the tenant.

The UTC automatic fire alarm was due to a faulty detector.

It’s the second time this week firefighters have been called out for it.