CHATTANOOGA, TN – At about 11:30 AM, Sunday, April 25, 2010, the
Chattanooga-Hamilton County 9-1-1 Center began receiving calls reporting a
commercial fire in a building on Hickory Valley Road near the site where a
new Chattanooga fire station is being built. A full commercial assignment
was dispatched. While en route, Battalion Chief Winston Shields reported
heavy smoke showing and upon arrival reported a building about 75-100 by 50
with fire through the roof. Chief Shields determined that a worker inside
using an acetylene torch had ignited something and that everyone was out of
the building. The Chief ordered Quint 6 to prepare for aerial operations
upon arrival and Quint 21 to locate a hydrant and supply water.
The building was positioned between two other
unoccupied buildings presenting severe exposure problems. Quint 6 positioned
on the corner of the building and firefighters pulled several hand held hose
lines to the structure and attempted to make an interior attack. As Quint 6
began to flow water the wind which was blowing in excess of 30 miles per
hour shifted and began to blow heavy fire directly toward the fire apparatus
placing everyone in harms way. Fire almost immediately began venting the
entire roof of the structure and flames could be seen leaping over fifty
feet into the air. Captain Teri Rose immediately ordered her apparatus
operator to cease operations, lower the stick and move the apparatus to
safety. Shortly thereafter an explosion, later attributed to acetylene
tanks, could be heard and felt. Chief Shields called for a par and asked for
a full second alarm assignment. A total of eleven fire apparatus were on the
scene including several downtown companies.
Heavy winds continued to fuel the stubborn
fire as the building began collapsing. Eventually the entire structure was
on the ground and firefighters began to get the upper hand, but not before
the whole building was destroyed. Firefighters were able to save both
surrounding structures and a locomotive parked nearby on the railroad
tracks.
The Chattanooga Hamilton County Rescue
Squad responded to the scene for rehab. Traffic control was handled by the
Chattanooga Police Department. Firefighters were on the scene for several
hours to ensure that the fire was completely out. Investigators from the
Chattanooga Fire Department were on the scene to determine the exact cause
of the fire. Quint 6 did suffer some damage but the extent will not be known
until testing can be done on the aerial ladder. Some lights were melted,
some heat damage was done to the pump panel and other places on the
apparatus appeared to be melted. Engine 15 appeared to have suffered some
damage as well from the heat but it did not seem as serious.
Story and Photos by Patrick Kellam
