News Releases

An extended response unfolded in Cleveland Thursday afternoon after a man lost his life in a tragic accident on the job. First responders with the Cleveland Police Department and Cleveland Fire Department responded to the intersection of Corporate Drive SW and Industrial Drive SW on reports of a construction worker buried in a trench at 1:15 PM on August 22, 2024, in Cleveland. Emergency services with the Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire, along with Bradley County Fire Department and Bradley County EMS, immediately began rescue efforts on the individual trapped. Through the partnership with the Tri-State Mutual Aid Association, additional emergency personnel responded to the scene from Chattanooga and Hamilton County. Officials determined that the male victim was deceased and the rescue efforts turned into a recovery effort which spanned several hours. Firefighters who specialize in trench operations worked together to recover the body of the individual that was trapped approximately nine feet below the surface. Significant portions of his body were buried by soil in the collapse. These kinds of responses are laborious for first responders as the trench needs to be stabilized and then debris removed in order to safely extricate the victim. Cleveland, Bradley County, Chattanooga and Hamilton County first responders regularly train together on Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) tactics and techniques so that our agencies can have a coordinated, effective, efficient response on major incidents like this trench collapse. We offer sincere condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of the victim.

Agencies involved in the operation on Thursday included: Cleveland FD, Bradley Co FD USAR, Chattanooga FD USAR, Chattanooga Fire Special Operations, Chattanooga Fire command staff, Chattanooga Fire training staff, Catoosa County FD USAR, Hamilton Co OEM, Hamilton Co 911 IDU, Hamilton Co Rescue Rehab, HWY 58 FD Rehab, Erlanger ESORT, Tri-State Mutual Aid, Bradley Co EMA, TEMA, TN Homeland Security, Bradley Co SO, Cleveland PD, Cleveland Utilities, Cleveland Public Works, Bradley Co EMS, Bradley Co 911, and TOSHA. Tri-Community VFD and Athens Fire provided coverage at local fire halls.

Cleveland trench operation

Three people were displaced by a fire off of Rossville Boulevard Tuesday night. Green Shift companies were called to the 2600 block of E 44th Street just before 6PM on 8/20/24. Responding personnel spotted smoke on their way to the scene and found a working residential structure fire on arrival. All occupants had escaped the burning home safely. Firefighters made an interior attack on the fire and worked to get it extinguished. They also fought flames in the attic by accessing the roof. There were no injuries. The cause is under investigation. The Red Cross will be assisting the impacted residents. Thanks to our mutual aid partners for providing coverage at our fire halls. Engine 14, Engine 5, Engine 9, Ladder 5, Squad 13, Battalion 1, Battalion 3, CFD Investigations, Hamilton County EMS and CPD were on the call.

E 44th St house fire

Fire destroyed an Alton Park home under renovation this morning. At 8:05 AM on 8/13/24, Green Shift companies responded to the 4200 block of Quinn Adams Street where Engine 14 found flames showing from single story residential structure. Despite an aggressive initial interior attack, firefighters were forced to back out when a flashover occurred. Defensive operations got underway with several handlines and master streams to bring the fire under control. Crews also worked to protect nearby homes. The house next door sustained some melted siding from radiant heat. There were no injuries. The structure was unoccupied due to work being done on it. The cause is under investigation. The fire caused so much damage to the home that it needs to be torn down in order for firefighters to completely extinguish remaining pockets of fire. The CFD received assistance on the scene from CPD, HCEMS, EPB and Public Works. Engine 14, Engine 1, Engine 9, Ladder 5, Squad 20, Battalion 1, Battalion 2, CFD Supply and CFD Investigations responded.

Quinn Adams St house fire

Early Saturday morning, at 0138 AM Chattanooga Fire Dept crews responded to a possible commercial fire at 3714 Rossville Blvd. Engine #9 was the first to arrive on scene and reported a working structure fire. Additional CFD companies Engine #1, Squad #1, Ladder #1, Engine #5, Ladder#5, Engine #14, Battalion #1 and Battalion #3 responded. Crews made an aggressive interior attack and contained the fire damage to the first floor on the 2-story structure. The building was vacant and being remodeled. HCEMS and Chattanooga PD provided assistance. There were no injuries and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Rossville Blvd commercial fire

On August 4, 2024, at 9:20 p.m., Chattanooga Police and Chattanooga Fire responded to a commercial building fire in the 1800 block of Rossville Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they found the building was on fire and secured the scene.

CFD's Engine #5, Ladder #5, Engine #3, Squad #20, Engine #9, Engine #4, Squad #1, Engine #14, Battalion #1 and #2 responded. Engine #5 and Ladder #5 arrived on scene and reported smoke visible from the front and rear of the building. Crews stretched hand lines into the structure and made a quick knockdown on the fire. The fire damage was contained to the single business with smoke damage to several neighboring buildings. There were no injuries reported.

During the preliminary investigation, bystanders advised officers that they observed a person checking the businesses' doors prior to the fire. The officers were able to obtain video surveillance of a suspect inside the business prior to the fire. The suspect description was sent to all officers working in the area. A person matching the suspect description was found by officers walking on East 10th Street.

CFD's Arson Investigators responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. CPD and CFD were able to obtain arrest warrants charging 21-year-old Michael Potter with Arson, Burglary of Business, and Vandalism. He was transported to Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center. This information is preliminary and is subject to change as the investigation continues. Chattanooga Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call 423-698-2525.

Chattery arson mug shot