News Releases

Chattanooga firefighters worked unrelentingly for hours to save a large home on Big Ridge Thursday dealing with steep terrain and a complex layout. Crews kept the fire at bay for most of the morning, but deteriorating, unsafe conditions forced them to abandon their positions. At 4:30 AM on 9/12/24, multiple companies responded to the 1700 block of Patriot Lane in the Colonial Shores subdivision following reports that a fire in the backyard of a residence was moving towards the house. 911 dispatchers relayed that the flames were quickly spreading to the decks. The fire got under the multi-tiered decks and both Blue and Red Shift crews fought tirelessly working to prevent it from spreading into the structure. Access was a challenge due to the sloped backyard, making it very difficult to get to the seat of the fire. A second alarm was called to bring additional personnel to the scene to assist with firefighting operations and an extended response got underway due to the complexity of the layout of the house and steep multi-level backyard decks. The wood joist under the concrete decking was burning which compromised the structural integrity of the porches so command made the call to pull firefighters out of the interior and move crews away from the unstable levels of decking. Within moments of crews relocating a safe distance away, there was a large collapse of the burning exterior portions and then within minutes, flames were through the roof of the mansion. It is a total loss. Firefighters successfully protected nearby neighbors’ homes from catching fire, but several adjacent houses sustained substantial damage from the radiant heat. A lengthy overhaul process is underway to ensure that remaining pockets of fire are fully extinguished. The cause of the fire is under investigation. There were no injuries. The homeowner and his pets are safe. He was able to remove some belongings from his residence with the help of firefighters before it became too dangerous. We appreciate the support of all of our mutual aid partners today, including CPD, Hamilton County EMS, TN Forestry, Hamilton County 911’s Incident Dispatch Unit, Dallas Bay Rehab Unit, and Highway 58 Rehab Unit. Mutual aid agencies provided assistance on the scene and at our fire halls. Thanks to residents in Colonial Shores for their kindness and hospitality as well.

While members of the Chattanooga Fire Department battled a large house fire on Big Ridge Thursday, other Red Shift companies tackled another fire in East Chattanooga. At 1 PM on 9/12/24, fire units were dispatched to the 3600 block of Sapulpa Street. Firefighters rescued two dogs from the residence and had a good knockdown on the fire. No one was home at the time of the incident and the cause is under investigation. There were no injuries. Cleveland firefighters assisted Chattanooga Fire on the scene as part of the mutual aid assistance we received due to the Big Ridge response.

Patriot Lane house fire

One patient was transported to the hospital with injuries Wednesday morning from the scene of a fire in Hixson. At 11:46 AM on 9/11/24, Blue Shift companies were dispatched to a residence in the 2400 block of Sunset Strip Street. Firefighters saw slight smoke on arrival and found the home full of smoke on the inside. A dresser was on fire in the bedroom and the fire was quickly extinguished. The victim sustained smoke inhalation and some burns to the face. They were taken to the hospital. According to investigators, the victim was smoking while on oxygen. The initial spark caused burn injuries and it then ignited the oxygen machine and the dresser next to it. Squad 19, Ladder 19, Engine 11, Engine 16, Battalion 3, and CFD Investigations responded, along with CPD and HCEMS.

The CFD once again stresses that there’s *no* safe way to smoke around home oxygen. Medical oxygen can explode if a flame or spark is near. Even if the oxygen is turned off, it can still catch on fire. When oxygen is used in the home, the amount of oxygen in the air, furniture, clothing, and hair goes up, making it easier for a fire to start and spread.

Sunset Strip House Fire

Congratulations to Captain Justin McCommon (Engine 22 Red Shift) and Captain Jason Moses (Engine 17 Red Shift) on receiving Life-Saving Medals for helping a terrified truck driver escape a fiery interstate crash when they were off duty. They were returning from a business trip in Indianapolis earlier this year when they got caught in traffic. They heard a loud crash behind them involving multiple vehicles and they immediately took action. They saw the driver of a tractor trailer hanging out his driver’s side window, unable to get out of the burning wreckage and waving for assistance. It happened on I-65 in Scott County, Indiana (about 30 minutes north of Louisville, KY) on February 19, 2024, and the rescue was caught on camera.

In the video, you can see Captain McCommon in the background climbing up on a pickup truck to assist Retired Chattanooga Police Officer Brian Bloomberg in pulling the semi driver from his truck. In the foreground, you can see Captain Moses empty one fire extinguisher and grab another one to keep the flames at bay while the others rescued the driver of the tractor trailer. Then you can see how the flames progressed just minutes after they got him out.

“I had no doubt that you would do exactly what needed to be done in that instance, even when you were both off-duty,” Chattanooga Fire Chief Phil Hyman told both captains. “What you did was outstanding and I’m proud of you for your willingness to help others no matter where you are or what you're doing. It speaks volumes about your character.”

McCommon and Moses Life Saving Award

Fiery wreck

A large house fire overnight sparked a response from the Chattanooga Fire Department and other agencies that spanned several hours. At 11:15 PM on 8/31/24, Green Shift companies responded to a home in the 4300 block of St. Elmo Avenue. Engine 14 arrived on scene and found heavy smoke showing and a fully involved basement fire. The residence was empty and undergoing renovations. A water supply was quickly established and E14 attempted an interior attack, but realized the fire had already started to vent out the right side of the structure. The decision was made to go defensive due to unsafe conditions. Parts of the floor were missing due to the work being done on the structure. Crews used handlines and a master stream. Firefighters also sprayed down adjacent houses to protect them from radiant heat. Overhaul was completed by Public Works with an excavator. There were no injuries, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Engine 14, Engine 1, Ladder 1, Squad 1, Engine 5, Ladder 5, Squad 20, Battalion 1, Battalion 3, CFD Investigations, HCEMS, and CFD’s Operations Chief responded. The Air Pollution Control Bureau, Building Inspectors, EPB, and Chattanooga Gas were also involved in the response. Emergency personnel were on the scene for more than five hours.

St Elmo Ave house fire

One person was sent to the hospital with burns from the scene of a house fire in Lupton City Thursday afternoon. At 1:39 PM on 8/29/24, Green Shift companies were dispatched to a residence in the 3500 block of Northrop Street which is close to Fire Station 16, allowing for a fast response from Engine 16 and other units. Heavy smoke was coming from the back of the structure and firefighters made a quick attack. The back porch was damaged, but CFD personnel effectively prevented the flames from causing extensive damage to the rest of the house. Crews then checked for extension and targeted hot spots. One resident was transported to the hospital with burns on her hands and feet. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The American Red Cross will be assisting impacted residents. Engine 16, Engine 12, Ladder 19, Squad 19, Engine 11, Battalion 2, Battalion 3, and CFD Investigations responded.

Northrop St house fire