Cause of fire released

SMITH COUNTY – At approximately 12:20 a.m. on Sunday, Smith County dispatchers received a call reporting a residence on fire Valleyview Ridge near Dean Road in rural Smith County.
Fire crews responded to the location to extinguish the fire and the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate the origin and cause of the fire.

The home was occupied by four residents and the fire started in the attic space near the chimney, Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue reported. The fire was contained to the immediate area around the chimney, but significant damage was done to the home. The cause of the fire was accidental due to fire escaping from the chimney into the attic of the residence while the fireplace was being used, Hogue said.

At about 6 a.m. another emergency call was received, reporting the same residence fully engulfed with fire. The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated and determined this fire was a rekindle of the previous fire. The structure was a total loss and no injuries were reported, Hogue said.

The Red Cross was contacted and is assisting the displaced residents.