Fire Destroys Vacant Commercial Building

The Chattanooga Fire Department responded with six fire companies. Captain Tom Montgomery with Squad 20 said the building was fully engulfed in flames when his fire company arrived on the scene.

With the building already too far gone to save, the firefighters fought the fire defensively to keep the flames from spreading off the property. Battalion Chief Chris Willmore said the building was a total loss. No injuries were reported.

Chief Willmore said the building was previously used as a body shop, but it has not been used for at least ten years. Lt. Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division said the building has been frequented by vagrants. The cause of the fire is under investigation.