News Releases

The Chattanooga Fire Department is asking members of the community not to bring flammable or combustible materials to homeless encampments, after a fire consumed two makeshift structures constructed from old, dry pallets, along with the tents on either side.

Following the fire, officials visited the encampments and collected more than 80 propane tanks from the premises. As a result of these dangerous conditions, fire officials are stepping up regular checks of encampments in order to prevent more dangerous fires. Fire officials have asked community members who want to help residents of homeless encampments not to leave dangerous items at encampments, including:

• Unpermitted or unsafe structures
• Weapons
• Drugs or poisons
• Combustible or explosive items
• Expired food

Instead, those who wish to help may donate canned goods to the community kitchen, camping supplies to the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition and furniture to the Chattanooga Furniture Bank. Community members are also encouraged to volunteer through the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition, or to make a monetary donation if they are unable to volunteer.

“Dangerous, flammable structures and combustible propane tanks are a deadly combination, and we call upon all well-meaning residents to avoid making a bad situation worse by bringing these materials to any encampment,” said Chattanooga Fire Chief Phil Hyman. “Combustible objects and flammable structures not only pose a danger to our homeless residents and the surrounding community, but also imperil our first responders.”

A fire at an auto repair shop in East Lake presented a number of obstacles for Chattanooga firefighters, but they were able to get the flames under control quickly. At 11:47 AM Sunday, Red Shift companies were called to 3501 7th Avenue, located at the corner of E 35th Street and 7th Avenue. The call was dispatched as an outside fire that had made its way to the building. While responding, units reported that they could see heavy black smoke in the area. A second alarm was initiated using companies that were at 601 Walnut Street conducting training. The first unit on scene confirmed that there was a working commercial structure fire. A water supply was established and an offensive attack was initiated. Aerial devices were also set up to aid in extinguishment. Multiple crews fought the fire offensively having to gain access to the business by using saws to cut the bay doors. Firefighters had the fire under control in approximately 30 minutes, despite having to deal with chain link fences, dogs, exploding tires and propane tanks on the scene. The CFD remained on scene for several hours, putting out hot spots and conducting overhaul and salvage operations. Several vehicles were destroyed by the fire and there is also damage to the building. The cause is under investigation. There were no injuries. Ladder 19, Ladder 7, Squad 13, Engine 9, Engine 5, Quint 1, Ladder 5, Engine 12, Engine 4, Quint 14, Ladder 13, CFD Supply, CFD Investigations and the Red Shift battalion chiefs responded.

An apartment fire on Saturday afternoon displaced several families and is now under investigation. At 1:06 PM, the CFD was called to one of the buildings at the Elements of Chattanooga Apartments at 7310 Standifer Gap Road. The first responding unit found an exterior column with fire inside, extending from the first floor to the third floor. Firefighters attacked the fire in the void space from the outside and also searched the impacted apartments. Thankfully, everyone had made it out safely. A cat was rescued from one of the apartments and reunited with its owners on the scene. Green Shift crews pulled the exterior column apart to put out the fire. They also had to cut into the ceilings and walls in several apartments because some of the fire did make it into the building. Firefighters checked for extension and made sure everything was fully extinguished. CFD investigators are working to determine was caused the fire. Three families were displaced and the property manager was able to provide places for them to stay. There were no injuries. Engine 15, Ladder 13, Ladder 7, Quint 21, Quint 6, Quint 8, Squad 13, Squad 7, Battalion 1 and Battalion 2 responded.

Departments from across our area traveled to Sevier County to lend a helping hand in the midst of raging wildfires and evacuations. The Chattanooga Fire Department sent Tanker 21, Engine 12 and one of our Battalion Chiefs to serve on Strike Teams. They deployed on March 30th with several other agencies to battle the fires in Wears Valley and relieve other firefighters working tirelessly in affected areas. Fire Departments from Hamilton County, Rhea and Sequatchie County responded to provide manpower and assistance. Firefighters worked nonstop, fighting the wildfires and responding to calls. A second round of crews responded on March 31st to relieve exhausted personnel. Our engine and tanker were assigned to a task force which included an engine with Dunlap Fire Department, an engine with Signal Mountain Fire Department and Brush 1 from McMinn County. On Thursday, they worked a multitude of calls, including a Tennessee National Guard Blackhawk helicopter that had to make an emergency landing after suffering an engine failure. The chopper crew was safe and uninjured. From 41/22- 4/2/22, a third group of members of the CFD found and attacked multiple spot fires, multiple small to medium brush fires and smoldering remnants of burned out structures with their task force partners from Cleveland and Bristol. They completed their mission and headed home after a job well done.