News Releases

A leaking container containing organic peroxide sparked a hazardous materials response and caused the shutdown of major roadways for several hours Wednesday night in Chattanooga. At 4:44 PM on 8/2/23, firefighters responded to Highway 153 at the Lee Highway exit. A FedEx truck was transporting the chemical when the driver smelled fumes and saw smoke. He quickly pulled over and called 911. The product was found to be leaking out of its tote into the back of the tractor trailer because there was a hole in the side of the tote. Organic peroxide produces its own heat when exposed to air which can start a fire. CFD Hazmat 1, our Special Operations Division, and several fire companies went to the scene and isolated the area around the spill. CPD and TDOT assisted with traffic control as Highway 153 was shut down in both directions, as well as the bridge on Lee Highway crossing over 153. Skilled CFD hazmat personnel worked to address the chemical spill as Marion Environmental responded to the scene to complete the cleanup and removal of the product. Nearly four hours after the call came out, one side of Highway 153 reopened for traffic, along with Lee Highway. When crews completely finished cleaning up, Highway 153 returned to normal. There were no injuries. CFD personnel used their training and experience to secure the scene and work through this incident. Thanks to all agencies who assisted our firefighters and to the public for their patience.

Chattanooga firefighters worked quickly and efficiently to combat a fire in one of the busiest parts of the city Tuesday night. It caused a traffic snarl on the south side as CFD personnel attacked the flames from all angles. The call came out at 8:26 PM on 8/1/23 to an unknown fire in the 2900 block of Market Street. Crews pulling out of Station 1 on Market Street could see a column of smoke in the distance and a full response was initiated. On arrival, firefighters found a homeless camp burning. Several acres were fully involved about 30 yards from the bridge. Command asked for Market Street to be shutdown as fire attack was launched and a supply line stretched across the road. An attack line went over the railroad tracks so rail traffic was temporarily halted. An aerial was also used to pour water on the flames. A tanker was called in for extra water due to the remote location of the blaze. By 9:02 PM, the fire was out and everyone on the scene acted fast so that Market Street could then reopen. Thanks to CPD for assisting with traffic. No homeless parties were located and there were no injuries. There was no damage to the bridge as the fire occurred away from the bridge. Ladder 1, Squad 1, Quint 1, Quint 14, Tanker 3, Engine 5, Battalion 1, Battalion 3 Green Shift responded, along with members of our Training Division who assisted with cleanup on the scene.

We love sharing happy news! On 7/31/23 at 2 AM, the Ladder 1 Green Shift crew responded to a home on East 5th Street on a patient in labor and they delivered a healthy baby girl! They checked both patients and then handed the newborn and mother off to Hamilton County EMS when they arrived on the scene. Welcome to the world, Baby Violet!

Green Shift companies worked a cooking grease fire at a duplex in the 2700 block of Citico Avenue Sunday afternoon. The residents got out safely and there were no injuries. The American Red Cross will be assisting two adults following the fire.