News Releases

When there are bad crashes on our interstates and roadways, you want highly skilled first responders who can quickly rescue trapped victims from the wreckage so they can get medical help. Training brings the best preparedness and the Chattanooga Fire Department is making sure that rescuers have the knowledge they need to save lives when dealing with mangled vehicles. On March 10-12, 2023, the CFD and Chattanooga Fire Fighters Association Local 820 hosted a regional extrication class at the Police & Fire Training Center on Amnicola Highway.

The course provided hands-on learning with groups of firefighters rotating into 10 different stations. Areas covered during the course included: using special air bags to lift vehicles, side impact damage, impalement, vehicles stuck on a concrete barrier, a crash involving a school bus, and vehicle movement to manipulate damaged cars in order to get to patients. In addition, students were introduced to the use of rotating wreckers to assist in the rescue of potential victims. More than sixty firefighters from 16 different agencies participated in the large training event. 

“We were excited to have firefighters from Tennessee and Georgia departments taking part in the class to advance their skill set in vehicle extrication tactics and strategies,” said CFD Special Operations Chief Terry Knowles.

Instructors simulated different scenarios that present complex challenges and participants will get experience working with small compact cars, SUVs, school buses, tractor trailers and even a concrete truck.  

The class was designed to take the experienced rescuer to a higher level of understanding. The course covered vehicle design and safety systems as well as working with heavy wreckers for large vehicle situations. All proceeds from registration fees went to the Chattanooga Fire Fighters Support Foundation.The Chattanooga Fire Fighters Support Foundation (CFFSF) exists to provide financial and logistical support to local firefighters who are struggling to make ends meet as a result of job related injuries and family illnesses. The CFFSF steps in to make mortgage, utility and auto payments. They also provide groceries and for any needs their children may have ranging from school supplies and clothing to medications and transportation.

A large house fire off Bonny Oaks Drive sent two people to the hospital Friday afternoon, including a Chattanooga firefighter. Multiple Green Shift companies have been battling the blaze in the 3500 block of Parkway Drive for several hours. The call came just after 2 PM on 3/10/22. Engine 4, Quint 6, Engine 15, Ladder 7, Squad 7, Battalion 1 and Battalion 2 were on the initial response. They found heavy fire and smoke coming out of the house on arrival with fire on all three stories of the structure. A man suffered a head and leg injury jumping out of a window to escape the burning home. He was transported to the hospital by HCEMS. A woman and baby also escaped. Firefighters made an interior attack and had a good knockdown on the fire in first 10-15 minutes, but flames quickly spread to the attic. Extra companies were called to the scene to battle the fire. The stairs burned throughout the house, preventing crews’ ability to maneuver and they also faced difficult putting out hot spots due to fire being in various void spaces. The attic started to come apart creating dangerous conditions so exterior firefighting operations got underway with aerials used to extinguish the flames. A firefighter suffered shoulder injuries and he was taken to the hospital for treatment. The cause of the fire will be under investigation.

Smoke alarms save lives! They are a critical element of home fire safety. Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association. That’s why this weekend, the Chattanooga Fire Department is asking citizens to change their home’s smoke alarm batteries when they turn their clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time. The early warning of a smoke alarm helps prevent people from being hurt by flames and toxic smoke. It gives you and your loved ones time you need to get out alive.

This Saturday, March 11, 2023, the CFD will be distributing free smoke alarms to residents in the area of Chattanooga’s most recent fire fatality. The deadly mobile home fire occurred on February 25, 2023. Recipients can take the smoke alarms home and install them for life-saving protection for their families.

SMOKE ALARM DISTRIBUTION

Date: Saturday, March 11, 2023

Location: 5400 block of Dayton Boulevard

Time: 10 AM- 12 PM

Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away. Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away. When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.

Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working. When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.

When there are bad crashes on our interstates and roadways, you want highly skilled first responders who can quickly rescue trapped victims from the wreckage so they can get medical help. Training brings the best preparedness and the Chattanooga Fire Department is making sure that rescuers have the knowledge they need to save lives when dealing with mangled vehicles. On March 10-12, 2023, the CFD and Chattanooga Fire Fighters Association Local 820 are hosting a regional extrication class at the Police & Fire Training Center on Amnicola Highway.

The course will provide hands-on learning with groups of firefighters rotating into 10 different stations. Areas covered during the course include: using special air bags to lift vehicles, side impact damage, impalement, vehicles stuck on a concrete barrier, a crash involving a school bus, and vehicle movement to manipulate damaged cars in order to get to patients. In addition, students will be introduced to the use of rotating wreckers to assist in the rescue of potential victims.

“We’re excited to have firefighters from Tennessee and Georgia departments taking part in the class to advance their skill set in vehicle extrication tactics and strategies,” said CFD Special Operations Chief Terry Knowles.

Instructors will simulate different scenarios that present complex challenges and participants will get experience working with small compact cars, SUVs, school buses, tractor trailers and even a concrete truck.  

This class is designed to take the experienced rescuer to a higher level of understanding. The course will cover vehicle design and safety systems as well as working with heavy wreckers for large vehicle situations. All proceeds from registration fees will benefit the Chattanooga Fire Fighters Support Foundation.The Chattanooga Fire Fighters Support Foundation (CFFSF) exists to provide financial and logistical support to local firefighters who are struggling to make ends meet as a result of job related injuries and family illnesses. The CFFSF steps in to make mortgage, utility and auto payments. They also provide groceries and for any needs their children may have ranging from school supplies and clothing to medications and transportation.