PUTNAM CO., Tenn. (WTVF) — A woman and dog were killed in a house fire in Baxter early Sunday morning.
Officials say Baxter and Putnam County fire crews responded to the 500 block of Buffalo Valley Road just after 3 a.m.
Firefighters found smoke coming from the house and a male resident outside. Despite the crew's rescue efforts, a female resident and family dog died inside.
“The loss of life is tragic in any instance and we are saddened to lose one of our community members," Fire Chief Matt White said. "I am proud of the efforts of our firefighters and our thoughts are with the family during this heartbreaking time."
White said responders were on the scene for over five hours. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
The Baxter Fire Department and TBI will investigate.