On Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 2:50 pm the City Of Chattanooga Fire Department received several 9-1-1 calls reporting heavy smoke coming from the Mill And Mine Supply Store at 600 Signal Mountain Boulevard in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
When the first engine company arrived on the scene, they reported a heavily involved commercial structure fire and requested the next in company to lay a supply line from the hydrant.
Within moments, the first Fire Chief arrived on the scene and called for a second alarm due to the size and intensity of the out of control blaze. Several additional companies were dispatched to the scene of the fire.
Witnesses reported several teenage boys running from the area when the fire broke out. Luckily a police officer was able to detain the boys for questioning. A short time later Captain Whitmire, with the City Of Chattanooga Fire Department, charged one of the teens with aggravated arson.
At times, flames were said to be at least 40-50 feet in the air and the smoke plume could be seen for 8 miles. People continued to call 9-1-1 thinking there might be another blaze.
One Chattanooga Firefighter had to be rushed to Erlanger Medical Center for heat exhaustion. He was reported to be doing fine and was expected to be released from the hospital later that evening.
City Of Chattanooga Firefighters battled the two alarm blaze into the night. With temperatures dropping, additional assistance for some rehab was requested.
