News Releases

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a firefighter? Have you ever wondered how the fire department works? How would you react if there was a fire or other emergency in your home or work place? Go behind-the-scenes of the Chattanooga Fire Department and get a glimpse into the daily lives of our firefighters during the Citizens’ Fire Academy!

The program offers an interactive, hands-on experience designed to give participants a better understanding of the CFD and the services the department offers. It provides an inside look at fire department operations to educate members of our community on emergency response.

WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 8 AM- 2:30 PM

WHERE: Police & Fire Training Center (3200 Amnicola Highway)

Members of the Citizens’ Fire Academy will don firefighter turnout gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). They’ll be able to take part in several training evolutions that are designed to mimic real life emergency scenes that firefighters face every day. Participants will conduct vehicle extrication, using the “Jaws of Life” to cut into cars. They’ll learn about hose operations and aerial apparatus operations, and hear from our Special Operations Division about our Urban Search and Rescue capabilities. Medical personnel will also be on hand to teach the class CPR.

This is an opportunity for the members of our community to “walk in the boots” of a Chattanooga Firefighter and it’s a great way to learn more about the day-to-day operations of your local fire department! To register for the academy, go to this link: https://share.hsforms.com/1rejrfmbzTIKxjjTglofDPQdbhz3. The deadline to sign up is Monday, April 17, 2023.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClOGFLHkx_Y&t=29s

Citizens Fire Academy photo

Chattanooga Fire urges citizens to use caution when burning outside after a fire on Wednesday afternoon in the East Lake area. At 1:40PM, companies responded to the 2800 block of 3rd Avenue. A resident was burning debris in a barrel which was left unattended. Being that it was a windy day, embers spread to undergrowth and dry leaves which caused the fire to spread to the surrounding grass and then to a neighbor’s shed. The shed was damaged, as well as a van next to the shed. Firefighters extinguished the flames and contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes. The resident at fault did not have a permit and was cited for reckless burning. There were no injuries. If you do any type of burning, keep a water source on hand and never leave it unattended.

In the 3400 block of Brannon Avenue, members of the CFD worked a vehicle fire that also caught the residents’ house on fire. No one was in the home at the time and there were no injuries. Firefighters had the fire out in less than 10 minutes of arrival. It happened just before 12:30 AM on Wednesday 3/8/23. Engine 9, Quint 14, Quint 1, Ladder 1, Squad 1, Battalion 1, Battalion 3 Blue Shift were dispatched on the call. The cause is under investigation.

Brannon Ave house fire

Chattanooga firefighters had a timely knockdown on a fire at an unoccupied home under construction thanks to effective suppression efforts. At 9:42 PM on Sunday 3/5/23, Blue Shift companies were dispatched to the 2700 block of Roanoke Avenue on multiple reports of a residential structure fire with smoke and flames visible. Engine 4 personnel spotted smoke on the way to the scene. 4’s crew found the house fully involved on arrival with smoke and flames showing and venting through the roof. Firefighters attacked the fire and also protected a nearby home. They had the blaze under control in five minutes. There were no injuries and the cause is under investigation. Engine 4, Engine 5, Ladder 5, Quint 6, Squad 1, Battalion 3, Battalion 1, CFD Investigations, CPD, HCEMS and EPB responded.

Roanoke Ave house fire

The nice weather made for a busy afternoon for first responders along the Riverfront. The Chattanooga FD responded to three incidents Sunday downtown.

#1 A jet ski hit a bass boat near Ross’s Landing. The passengers on the boat got the jet skier out of the water and brought him to shore. EMS transported him to the hospital with injuries. The boat passengers were not injured. TWRA is investigating.

#2 Someone decided to swim in the river. He was floating with the current and in danger of drowning. He was pulled out of the water by TWRA and is safe/uninjured.

#3 A woman and child were stranded on Williams Island and calling for help.

CFD Fireboat 10 picked them up and brought them to Ross’s Landing. They were not injured. They were paddle boarding and got tired, making their way to the island where they were rescued.

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