Family loses home to Tuesday morning fire

‘It was fully involved upon arrival’- Ridgewood Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dylan Roach

CHERRY BOTTOM, TN (WLAF)- What started as a chimney fire called in by a neighbor spread to an entire home late Tuesday morning. At a home at 255 Scenic Point Drive in the Shady View area of South Campbell County is where firefighters with the Ridgewood Volunteer Fire Department battled a fire for the better part of four hours. “The page came out at 9:50am, and when we arrived, the home was fully involved,” said Ridgewood Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dylan Roach.

Aside from battling the fire, firefighters from the RVFD, with mutual aid from the Caryville Volunteer and Jacksboro Fire Departments, bitter winds, icy conditions and temperatures in the teens added extra challenges. “Ice partially covered the road leading to the house, and water was freezing almost instantly on the ground,” said Roach.

The homeowners were not home when the fire started but were called by a neighbor. They had made it back to the home by the time firefighters arrived, according to Chief Roach.

Firefighters were able to save a vehicle and a storage building, both close exposures. Several fire engines and firefighters from the three agencies were used along with 5,750 gallons of water. “Since there was not a fire hydrant nearby, we set up a water shuttle sending water from one truck to another,” said Roach.

The home was a total loss. There were no injuries as fire crews were able to clear the scene by 1:30 Tuesday afternoon. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-01/28/2026-6AM-PHOTOS SUBMMITTED)