Скачать или смотреть Families, Businesses Suffer Following Hixson Fire

It was a tough morning for eleven families, who watched their homes being boarded up and taped off.

An early morning fire broke out in an upstairs apartment. One neighbor, Chris Partin, smelled smoke and did everything he could to evacuate the building. I ducked underneath the smoke and started beating on the door as hard as I could.CLICK HERE for more photos on Facebook

Once Partin realized two people were trapped. He called 9-1-1 and Senior Firefighter Mark Brown and Firefighter Brad Ransom (pictured) worked to get the men out safely.They were fixing to jump out of the window and the fireman busted open the door and drug them both out, adds Partin.

The rescued residents were treated for minor injuries, but the apartments are only the beginning of the loss. Downstairs several businesses are now forced to close their doors due to smoke and water damage.

Caroll's Hair Salon is one of the six shops that will have to find a new home. Just down the walkway, Perkins Family Eye Care is drenched.

Renters say the property manager has told them the entire building must be re-wired. It's expected to be out of commission for three to four months.

by Mikaya ThurmondPhoto courtesy Bruce Garner, Chattanooga Fire Dept.