10-18-2012 Commercial Fire on Rossville Boulevard

This afternoon, Captain Anthony Moore with the Fire Investigation Division charged Garry Mosier, 59, with arson. Mosier was found by firefighters sitting on the grass behind the building. He was transported to a local hospital by Hamilton County EMS, where he was treated for smoke inhalation.

A short time later, he was transported to the county jail for booking. Captain Moore said Mosier did not own up to starting the fire, but the evidence suggests that he was responsible.

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[Original Release]

News Release:

Chattanooga firefighters rushed to the scene of a commercial fire shortly before 10 this morning at 2801 Rossville Boulevard. Thick, black smoke was billowing from the rear of what used to be Willie's Auto Parts. The building has reportedly been vacant for months or even years.

Firefighters with Engine 9 were the first on the scene and seeing the potential for a much larger fire, Captain Lloyd Jones called for a second alarm response to bring in six additional fire companies.

The firefighters forced their way inside the building and made their way around the back and managed to get the blaze under control in roughly 15 minutes.

No firefighters were injured, but not long after the flames were suppressed, a man was found sitting on the ground behind the building. Captain Jones said the man appeared to be suffering from smoke inhalation, so he was handed off to paramedics with Hamilton County EMS. The victim was transported to Erlanger Medical Center. His injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

An estimate on the dollar loss was not available. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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