Two people charged with arson in Chattanooga apartment fire

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Two people are behind bars accused of starting a fire at an apartment complex on Lake Resort Driver in Chattanooga.

Hunter Watts and Autumn Nichols are charged with aggravated arson, reckless burning, and reckless endangerment.

Chattanooga firefighters responded to fire at Marina Point apartments on Lake Resort Drive shortly before 1:30 pm on March 6th.

Battalion Chief Chris Warren said heavy smoke was showing from an apartment on the second floor when the first firefighters arrived on the scene.

Operations Chief Rick Boatwright

Investigators say that there was heavy damage in the bedroom where the fire is believed to have started.

While taking pictures of the damage, officials say an investigator obsevered in “plain view” baggies of what is believed to be marijuana and an unknown substance as well.

Chattanooga Narcotic Detective responded to the scene and assisted in collecting the evidence.

They couldn’t initially determine a “logical source” of the fire.

A witness told police that he came outside and saw the two residents run from the apartment and leave the property in their car. Watts was located and told police that it was an accident.

He told police that he left without notifying the neighbors.

Chief Warren said the firefighters attacked the fire aggressively and had it extinguished in roughly 10 minutes.

Chief Warren said the fire damage was contained to the apartment unit where it started. However, the apartment below did have some water damage.

The fire displaced four people. Apartment management told firefighters that they will provide the fire victims with another place to stay on site.