Members of our command staff provided updates today on several recent apartment fires in Chattanooga. In less than two weeks, nearly 60 people have been displaced in three different fires, leaving families without a home at the holidays. The CFD fought the fires and our department has been working closely with the Red Cross and our community partners to make sure those impacted by the blazes are getting the assistance they need. An apartment fire on November 30th on Dayton Boulevard displaced 25 people. A temporary shelter was set up for those victims. The fire was accidental and most likely caused by a resident falling asleep while smoking, catching a chair on fire and then spreading. Another apartment fire on November 30th on Central Drive (Rustic Village Apartments) was electrical in nature, displacing 15 people. An apartment fire on December 7th at the Waterford Place Apartments on Shallowford Road left 17 people without a place to stay. It was accidental, caused by food left unattended on the stove. The CFD stresses the importance of having renters insurance in times like this to help with housing and the replacement of belongings. The fire marshal also urges residents to practice home fire safety. Please remain in the kitchen while cooking and set timers as a reminder. Never leave candles burning unattended. Keep combustibles at least three feet away from space heaters. Practice your family's escape plan regularly and always make sure you have working smoke detectors in your home. The American Red Cross has been helping all of the displaced families with shelter, meals, necessities and resources. Financial donations to the Red Cross’ Disaster Relief Fund are the most efficient way the public can provide assistance at this time.
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