News Releases

A hazmat incident in Chattanooga sparked a massive response by public safety agencies and evacuations. At 9:09 PM on Thursday (8/3/23), Fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies responded to 482 McBrien Road near the RAVE Theatre just off I-24. A tractor trailer hauling organic peroxide and sodium hydroxide was on fire. In addition to the burning semi trailer, the liquid chemicals the truck was hauling were also on fire in the parking lot. Firefighting operations got underway and once first responders learned what products they were dealing with, evacuations of surrounding homes and businesses began. Due to the fire, a mandatory evacuation was ordered for the residents within a half mile radius of the fire’s location. When organic peroxide and sodium hydroxide burn, they release vapors that could be harmful and could cause skin irritation and respiratory issues. A crash truck from the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport responded to the scene with a piercing nozzle that punctured the trailer and injected foam into the truck to knock the fire down. In addition, TDOT brought 80 tons of dirt to stop any runoff as officials continue working to address environmental concerns. I-24 was closed in both directions from the I-24/I-75 split to the North Germantown exit into the early morning hours of Friday (8/4/23). Motorists were asked to avoid the area and seek alternative routes. A public shelter was opened at the Chris Ramsey Community Center (Brainerd Recreation Center) on North Moore Road. Hepaco, an environmental cleanup company, responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation indicates that an initial leak from containers inside the truck caused a chemical reaction, resulting in the fire. Public safety agencies immediately started working with Hepaco to support containment and cleanup efforts. The EPA is overseeing the cleanup process. TDEC is also involved in the cleanup. An excavator was used to peel back the sides of the trailer, giving crews a look inside at the totes containing the chemicals. They needed to see what was damaged, if anything was leaking, etc. Officials were able to determine that the situation was stable and incident command deemed the scene safe. Interstate 24 then reopened and families were able to return to their homes. There were no injuries. Thanks to all of the agencies involved.

Chattanooga Fire and the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security conducted a hands-on portion of Type 1 Team Evaluation for the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hazmat Response Team. They simulated a realistic scenario for the accreditation process. This is a big deal for our agencies! It’s a brand new accreditation process and we are the first to go through it in order to be certified by TEMA. 

A leaking container containing organic peroxide sparked a hazardous materials response and caused the shutdown of major roadways for several hours Wednesday night in Chattanooga. At 4:44 PM on 8/2/23, firefighters responded to Highway 153 at the Lee Highway exit. A FedEx truck was transporting the chemical when the driver smelled fumes and saw smoke. He quickly pulled over and called 911. The product was found to be leaking out of its tote into the back of the tractor trailer because there was a hole in the side of the tote. Organic peroxide produces its own heat when exposed to air which can start a fire. CFD Hazmat 1, our Special Operations Division, and several fire companies went to the scene and isolated the area around the spill. CPD and TDOT assisted with traffic control as Highway 153 was shut down in both directions, as well as the bridge on Lee Highway crossing over 153. Skilled CFD hazmat personnel worked to address the chemical spill as Marion Environmental responded to the scene to complete the cleanup and removal of the product. Nearly four hours after the call came out, one side of Highway 153 reopened for traffic, along with Lee Highway. When crews completely finished cleaning up, Highway 153 returned to normal. There were no injuries. CFD personnel used their training and experience to secure the scene and work through this incident. Thanks to all agencies who assisted our firefighters and to the public for their patience.

Chattanooga firefighters worked quickly and efficiently to combat a fire in one of the busiest parts of the city Tuesday night. It caused a traffic snarl on the south side as CFD personnel attacked the flames from all angles. The call came out at 8:26 PM on 8/1/23 to an unknown fire in the 2900 block of Market Street. Crews pulling out of Station 1 on Market Street could see a column of smoke in the distance and a full response was initiated. On arrival, firefighters found a homeless camp burning. Several acres were fully involved about 30 yards from the bridge. Command asked for Market Street to be shutdown as fire attack was launched and a supply line stretched across the road. An attack line went over the railroad tracks so rail traffic was temporarily halted. An aerial was also used to pour water on the flames. A tanker was called in for extra water due to the remote location of the blaze. By 9:02 PM, the fire was out and everyone on the scene acted fast so that Market Street could then reopen. Thanks to CPD for assisting with traffic. No homeless parties were located and there were no injuries. There was no damage to the bridge as the fire occurred away from the bridge. Ladder 1, Squad 1, Quint 1, Quint 14, Tanker 3, Engine 5, Battalion 1, Battalion 3 Green Shift responded, along with members of our Training Division who assisted with cleanup on the scene.