Chattanooga, Tennessee Firefighters Battle 2- Alarm Blaze at Apartment Building

At 6:22 pm Thursday, December 22, 2005, the Chattanooga, Tennessee Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at Pops Apartments in the 7000 block of Lee Highway.

Six pieces of apparatus were dispatched on the first alarm inclduing Quint 8 which is housed less than 1 mile away.

Quint 8 reported heavy smoke showing almost immedaitely after leaving quarters and heavy fire upon arrival. Quint 8 took command and layed a line upon arrival and started attacking the fire with inch and 3/4 handlines.

The incident commander, Battalion Chief Melhorn assumed command upon arrival and shortly thereafter requested a second alarm which responded an additional 6 pieces of equipment.

The structure, which orignally housed a motel, is a one story structure and had heavy fire from the roof and all sides.

Eventually it was determined to be a defensive operation only and the building was hit from three sides using the ladder mounted nozzles on the Quints.

According to the owner, Tom Bolton, the building had 15 rooms and additional cabins and mobile homes to the rear of the structure.

There are approximately 25 residents, all of whom were displaced by the fire and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

The fire was called under control at 8:03 pm.

Fire investigators determined that the fire was accidental and was most likely started in unti 9 by an electrical malfunction.

Damage estimates were placed at apprroximately $200,000.

Patients were treated by Hamilton County EMS. One or two people suffered smoke inhalation and were treated at the scene, but there were no major injuries.

The Chattanooga Police Department assisted with traffic and rehab was provided by Chattanooga Hamilton County Rescue.