4/4/2008

Chattanooga firefighters responded to a fire around 3:00 this morning at Madem Reels, USA at 1312 E. 42nd Street.  The firefighters were initially told that the entire business was engulfed in flames, but when Engine 9 arrived on the scene, it was discovered that a wood chip storage bin next to the main building was on fire. 

As five other fire companies arrived the scene, Captain David Barie with Engine 9 said the firefighters sprayed large amounts of water and foam in an effort to get the blaze under control.  Access problems to the bin and large amounts of smoldering wood chips made it difficult for the firefighters to completely extinguish the fire.  Captain Barie said they finally gained access, and after emptying the contents of the bin, they were able to completely extinguish the hot spots.  The main building sustained little or no fire damage, and no injuries were reported.

This is the second fire at Madem Reels this week.  Chattanooga firefighters responded there last Tuesday to put out a fire in a large, metal conduit.  The main culprit in that fire was also wood chips and saw dust.  No one was injured.  An estimate on the dollar loss was not available for either fire.  The cause of this morning's fire is undetermined and under investigation.

Madem Reels manufactures large wooden reels, which are used by other companies to hold items such as conduit, steel cables and wire.

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