News Releases

The quick actions and hard work of Chattanooga firefighters stopped flames from spreading through an apartment building Tuesday night.

At 8:09 PM, crews were called to the 4700 block of Edingburg Drive following reports that flames were visible and that someone could possibly be trapped inside. A second alarm was called to bring more firefighters to the scene.

Quint 14 arrived first and found fire coming through the front of one of the apartments. They started attacking the fire and conducted a primary search. No one was inside.

Other companies started arriving and assisting and the fire was brought under control quickly, in about 15 minutes.

One apartment sustained fire damage and thanks to firefighters’ fast knockdown, two other units only have smoke damage.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. There were no injuries.

Three people were displaced in the three damaged apartments and the American Red Cross has been notified.

Ladder 1, Squad 1, Quint 14, Engine 9, Quint 1, Squad 20, Ladder 5, Ladder 13, Quint 3, Squad 13, Battalion 1, Battalion 2 (Green), EPB, CPD, CFD Supply, Chattanooga Housing Authority and CFD’s Fire Investigation Division responded.

We are proud to announce that Lt. Julius Hubbard (Quint 6 Red) has been selected by EPB to be one of nine artists for the 10th Street Community Mural Project!

The artists will paint murals on nine panels along the EPB substation fence at 10th and Foster Street. The central theme for the mural project is “The Soul of MLK – How artists visualize the heartbeat and soul of MLK in arts, music and culture” to highlight the history, heritage and significance of Downtown Chattanooga’s Martin Luther King Boulevard area.

“I’m humbled and excited to be selected. I’m grateful to EPB for giving local emerging artists the opportunity to showcase their talent while honoring an American civil justice icon,” Lt. Hubbard said.

The artists’ work was selected by a group of outside stakeholders based on its artistic value, clarity of thought, community reflection and relevance with blind judging. Work will begin this spring.

“Lt. Hubbard is a true professional and I could not be more blessed to serve with him. He is also an incredibly talented and passionate artist,” stated Battalion Chief Brandon Schroyer. “This really speaks to how gifted and diverse the members of this department are!”

Lt. Hubbard concept for the mural is called “Dare to Dream." Congratulations!

A Chattanooga family is safe after escaping their burning home Saturday morning.

At 9:45 AM, the CFD was called to a residence in the 400 block of North Hickory Street.

When firefighters arrived, they found an active fire in a back bedroom. They were advised that all of the residents were out of the structure.

They launched an interior attack and fire conditions deteriorated as the flames started to spread.

Crews performed vertical ventilation, cutting holes in the roof to release smoke and improve visibility on the inside.

Everyone continued working until the fire was out. It caused extensive damage to the home and the American Red Cross will be assisting the residents as they deal with the aftermath of the blaze.

There were no injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Engine 4, Engine 5, Ladder 5, Quint 1, Squad 1, Squad 13, Battalion 1, Battalion 2, Battalion 3 (Blue shift), CFD Supply, CPD and EPB responded.

In the face of unprecedented challenges in 2020, members of the Chattanooga Fire Department performed admirably and never hesitated to respond to calls for help, saving lives and property in the process.

In 2020, the CFD responded to 17,666 calls, including 238 structure fires, 5,234 EMS calls and 1,844 “Assist a Citizen” calls. Firefighters also responded to 1,611 motor vehicle accidents.

Crews saved $155,494,274 in property from fire damage.

“This year has been one of the most challenging years for the Chattanooga Fire Department and its extended family that I can recall. All of those challenges, however, remind me of how great our firefighters are and the excellent service they provide,” said Fire Chief Phil Hyman. “Sacrifices have been made with grace, and challenges have been met with perseverance, character and integrity. I cannot express enough how proud I am of our entire department and all that our members have done for the community we serve.”

Our crews adapted during the pandemic, taking the necessary steps to protect themselves and members of the public with extra safety precautions, wearing personal protective equipment and sanitizing fire halls and fire trucks continuously. All of our fire stations have remained open and in service over the past year with firefighters bravely responding to every emergency call. That included the Easter tornadoes. CFD units were on the ground in the hardest hit areas immediately after the deadly storms struck our area, making daring rescues and coordinating a massive effort to get personnel and resources where they needed to be. They worked tirelessly, even as dozens of firefighters had to deal with their own homes being destroyed, or the residences of their loved ones being badly damaged. Lives were saved thanks to their actions.

In 2021, the Chattanooga Fire Department proudly marks its 150th anniversary, a storied journey of service and dedication to our great city. A history book is being compiled to capture the department’s past as our staff continues laying the groundwork for the agency’s next chapters.

“I am confident that our firefighters will keep pushing forward in the year ahead and make our department successful through whatever the future holds,” Chief Hyman added. “I have to reflect on the fact that our department is 150 years old and has provided outstanding service since its inception. I know each member of our department will pave the way for the next 150 years.”