Child in hospital after fire in Chattanooga

Friday, January 1, 1904

photo Four Chattanooga children were trapped on the roof of their burning house Tuesday afternoon but escaped with only minor injuries.
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House fire

House fire

A 3-year-old remains hospitalized after a house fire Tuesday, while the teen who saved him and two others has been released, authorities said.

The toddler, David Gladden III, is under observation in a pediatric ICU for smoke inhalation, according to a release from Chattanooga Fire Department spokesman Bruce Garner.

Eddie Pitman, who turns 15 today, was treated for cuts to his leg and released, Garner said.

The fire at 703 Caruthers Road in Brainerd was reported at 5 p.m. and four children inside apparently were trapped on the second floor, Garner said.

Eddie kicked out a second-floor window to help three other children onto the roof of the back porch, Garner said.

As neighbors and rescuers gathered, Eddie handed the children down off the porch. In trying to get down himself, he put his foot through a window and cut his leg, Garner said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, he said.