According to Bradley County Sheriff’s Media Coordinator Bob Gault, the house fire was reported at 12:41 a.m. Tuesday at 150 Matt Circle S.E.
A man, believed to be in his mid 20s, was making popcorn when the fire broke out, according to Cleveland Fire Department Arson Investigator Ben Atchley.
Atchley said the man left a hot pan of oil unattended briefly and when he returned to the kitchen, the oil had ignited and caught fire to the cabinets.
Gault said at least three other people were inside the residence when the fire outbreak occurred. All of the occupants were able to exit the home safely.
By the time firefighters arrived on the scene, the flames had engulfed the kitchen, living room and attic. The house and its contents suffered significant heat, smoke and water damage, the arson investigator said.
Atchley said due to inconsistencies found, the fire is still under investigation.
The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office and Bradley County Emergency Medical Services assisted at the scene.
