News Releases

One woman was transported to the hospital with smoke inhalation Tuesday morning after escaping her burning Chattanooga home. At 7:36 AM, Blue Shift companies were called to a home in the 2500 block of Doolittle Street following reports that the structure was fully engulfed in flames. On CFD’s arrival, the resident was outside and received first aid on the scene. She was then taken to the hospital for further treatment. Firefighters found flames visible from the front of the home and heavy smoke coming from all sides of the residence. They launched a fire attack, but struggled with interior firefighting efforts due to the extreme amount of contents in the home. Blue Shift companies were on the scene for several hours as they worked to get the fire under control and dealt with smoldering debris. Firefighters were rotated in and out to allow them some time to rest from the taxing operations. Additional personnel responded to the scene to provide extra support. The home and contents are a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Ladder 13, Squad 13, Engine 15, Quint 6, Engine 4, Squad 7, Quint 10, Battalion 2, Battalion 3 (Blue), CFD Supply, Chattanooga-Hamilton County’s Rehab Unit, HCEMS and CPD responded.

It was a momentous 2021 for the Chattanooga Fire Department as firefighters marked 150 years of dedicated service to our great city and its citizens. The sesquicentennial was celebrated in a number of ways as our department looked back on its tremendous growth and constant advancements. A newly published history book captured our agency’s story through the years, paying tribute to the generations of firefighters who shaped the CFD. It was also a very busy year for our firefighters. Throughout 2021, members of the department continued their excellent response to thousands of calls in the midst of the pandemic.

In 2021, the CFD responded to 23,328 calls, including 202 structure fires, 9,322 EMS calls and motor vehicle crashes, as well as 2,193 “Assist a Citizen” calls. Crews saved $522,664,545 in property from fire damage.

“I’m proud of the firefighters who do such an outstanding job each and every day. The commitment and sacrifice they make to keep our community safe is not only heartfelt, but it’s what the CFD stands for,” said Fire Chief Phil Hyman.

The Chattanooga Fire Department continues to adapt to the ever-changing environment created by the coronavirus pandemic, keeping safety a priority as firefighters remain on the front lines. We welcomed a new mayor and staff, embracing their vision and goals for Chattanooga. We thank them for all of their help with securing substantial pay raises for fire and police. The new starting pay places the CFD in a very competitive range with other departments in the area and statewide, aiding with recruitment and retention. The city’s leadership is also dedicated to helping our department advance forward with new positions, equipment and technology. We have two new fire rescue boats going into service in February. A new fire engine is now at Station 9 to serve the East Lake area, replacing a 1995 apparatus. Six new UTVs will be used to service our bike parks, river parks and nature trails. They will also provide access to damaged areas in the wake of severe weather.

The CFD beefed up training in 2021, continuing to enhance our Training Division through specialized courses and multi-company drills. We’ve worked with the International Association of Fire Fighters to enhance our training program for fire ground survival which is critical for firefighter safety and self-rescue. Our Logistics Division has been instrumental in getting new equipment for our fire trucks, keeping stations stocked and working on different station/building enhancements. Our Special Operations Division has attended a number of outside classes. We have been able to send firefighters to specialized training for structural collapse and vehicle extrication. We updated our entire gas monitor program so that we can best determine if the air quality is safe on different scenes. The Fire Investigation Division continues to manage an increased caseload which has resulted in a number of arson arrests. Our Fire Prevention Bureau has been able to continue their service in inspections during the pandemic with an overall increase in new construction in the Chattanooga area. Our Operations Division had a 24% increase in overall call volume and has successfully responded to all emergency and nonemergency calls to help people in their time of need.

In 2022, we will train and welcome another group of fire cadets into the CFD family. We hope to break ground on a new Station 15 in the Eastdale community. We look forward to serving the citizens and visitors in Chattanooga as we keep laying the groundwork for the CFD’s success in the next 150 years.

“As we move into 2022, it will be imperative to remain flexible and proactive as a department. Not only will we continue to focus on protecting our community, we will also take care of each other as we tackle challenges and changes on the horizon. The future looks very bright for the CFD,” Chief Hyman stated.

Chattanooga firefighters had a quick knockout of a house fire Sunday night, preventing flames from spreading to the rest of the home. At 7:05 PM, Green Shift companies responded to a residence in the 6000 block of Browntown Road. The occupants had called 911 indicating that they smelled smoke in the structure. Three residents and their pets escaped safely. Firefighters saw smoke showing when they arrived on the scene and located fire on the interior. They conducted a search and investigation and started attacking the fire, managing to contain it to a bedroom and minimizing damage. Then crews managed hot spots to make sure the fire was fully extinguished. There were no injuries. The cause is under investigation. Engine 22, Quint 17, Quint 16, Squad 19, Battalion 2, Battalion 3, Red Bank Fire, CPD, HCEMS and EPB were on the call. 

CFD Blue Shift companies have been extremely busy across the city Tuesday, working an apartment fire, conducting a rescue and tackling an evening commercial fire, in addition to many other calls for service. At 8:06 PM, firefighters responded to a reported dumpster fire at Buzzi Chattanooga, the concrete plant at 1201 Suck Creek Road. They found flames in a large granulated rubber storage bin (approximately 30 feet tall and 40 feet wide). The big mound of rubber was burning on arrival. The call initially came in as a dumpster fire and crews called for a commercial fire response when they realized what they were dealing with. They had a good knockdown on the fire, getting it under control fast. Firefighters have been conducting a thorough overhaul, breaking up piles of rubber to make sure the fire is fully extinguished. There were no injuries. Quint 17, Quint 1, Squad 1, Ladder 1, Engine 12, Quint 14, Quint 16, Battalion 1 and Battalion 3 responded.