Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Chattanooga fire investigators
are trying to determine how a fire started in an old church building in East
Lake early this morning. The Chattanooga Fire Department was first notified
of the fire at 2:41 a.m. today, and responded with seven fire companies to
2900 E. 39th Street.
Captain Travis Williams
with Engine 9 said flames were clearly visible in the night sky from blocks
away as they raced to the scene. As other fire companies arrived on the
scene, the firefighters worked to get the fire out and protect a house
located just feet away from the burning building. That house had some
superficial damage to the siding, but was spared any serious damage. The
former church was gutted by the fire.
Lieutenant Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division, who was just
finishing up working another smaller fire, also responded to the scene and
caught some of the action with his camera (see attached photos.)
Lt. McElvain said the church building had been vacant for some time and had
been condemned. Residents in the area reported seeing homeless people going
into the structure on a fairly regular basis. The investigation will
continue.
Chattanooga police and Hamilton County EMS also provided assistance on the
scene.
