Family loses dog in Florida Avenue fire, arson investigation underwayChattanooga Fire DepartmentChattanooga Fire DepartmentUPDATE (8/3/26): The overnight fire on Florida Avenue in St. Elmo is being investigated as arson, according to the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD). CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A family lost their pet in an overnight fire in St. Elmo on August 3, 2026. At 1:06 a.m., the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) responded to the 4600 block of Florida Avenue on a reported residential fire. Officials arrived on scene and found heavy fire on the front porch and in the front bedroom of the home. They say crews knocked down fire on the front porch and in the front bedroom and then extinguished hot spots.