03-18-14 Update on Fire at Jaycee Towers

The shelter was set up at the South Chattanooga Recreation Center on W. 40th Street yesterday afternoon after it was discovered that repairing the damage from the electrical fire would take 36 to 72 hours to complete. That estimate was provided by EPB technicians.

Red Cross Executive Director Greg Waite said this morning that 82 residents, many of them with physical disabilities and other special needs, stayed overnight at the shelter. The Red Cross had volunteers and trained nurses to care for the residents, and the Chattanooga Salvation Army provided dinner for everyone.

Representatives from the Chattanooga fire marshal's office will be visiting Jaycee Towers today and will conduct a complete fire and life safety inspection to ensure the building is safe for the occupants once the repairs are made and power has been restored to the 18-story building.

In the photo: Senior Firefighter Larry Olivier (left) and Firefighter David Ruffin (right) help a disabled resident board a CARTA bus yesterday afternoon for transport to the shelter.