News Releases

Quick stop by Blue Shift on Highland Park residential fire: At 9:46 PM on 6/24/24, CFD responded to a home in the 1500 block of E 14th Street and found the back of the structure engulfed in flames. A coordinated fire attack from different sides and a search of the residence happened simultaneously. Firefighters had the flames knocked down fast and ventilated the house before moving into overhaul. No one was home at the time of the fire. Cause will be under investigation.

Chattanooga Fire and other public safety agencies assisted the Chattanooga Police Department with a large emergency response to an incident on Hamilton Place Boulevard Monday afternoon. At 2:04 PM on 6/24/24, Hamilton County 911 started receiving reports of a shooting occurring in an office building in the 2000 block. According to CPD officials, there was a shooter inside the building “who was attempting to execute a plan which failed.” He shot himself and is now deceased. No other people were shot or injured. The mall and other nearby businesses have lifted lockdowns and returned to normal. Chattanooga Police have an active and ongoing investigation. CFD provided support and assistance on the scene. Chattanooga Fire partners with police and other agencies throughout the year on active shooter training to be prepared for situations like this in an effort to have a coordinated response when the need arises.

Two people were sent to the hospital Monday morning after being pulled by Chattanooga firefighters from their burning Alton Park home. At 7:09 AM on 6/24/24, Blue Shift companies were called to a duplex in the 4100 block of Fagan Street on reports of a house fire with entrapment. Engine 14 saw smoke upon arrival and immediately went into rescue mode. Engine 9 backed them up and together, the crews rescued a man and a woman from the structure. Both were transported to the hospital with serious injuries related to toxic smoke inhalation. It appeared that both victims were trying to escape the fire, but were overwhelmed by smoke and became trapped in the back of the residence. Meanwhile, fire suppression was simultaneously taking place by other responding CFD personnel. There were reports of children still being inside the apartment, but multiple searches turned up nothing. Fire officials later learned that family members on the other side of the duplex, including the children, were safely evacuated by police officers and unharmed. Blue Shift made a good stop on the fire, getting it under control quickly and preventing it from spreading through the rest of the apartment and adjoining unit. There’s damage to the front of the home and smoke damage throughout the structure. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Engine 14, Engine 9, Squad 1, Ladder 1, Engine 1, Ladder 5, Engine 5, Battalion 1, Battalion 3, CFD Supply and CFD Investigations were on the scene, along with multiple Hamilton County EMS units and CPD. The Red Cross will be assisting those displaced by the fire.

Several people went to the hospital Thursday morning following an incident at the Hamilton County Health Department. At 9:41 AM on 6/13/24, Hamilton County 911 received reports that patients and employees at the health department (located at 921 E 3rd Street) were feeling nauseous, dizzy, and lightheaded. They also indicated that they detected a suspicious odor. The building was evacuated as CFD, CPD, and HCEMS responded to the scene. Firefighters went inside the building to gather readings in order to determine what may have caused the exposure. The only thing identified was a leak with air conditioning refrigerant. By 10:45 AM, the “all clear” was given and everyone could return to the building. The entire structure was checked and all levels were good, making it safe to reopen. Nine patients were assessed and five of them were moved to the hospital. They were all stable and went to the ER for further evaluation. CFD Special Operations, Hazmat 1, and multiple Blue Shift fire companies were on this call.