A storage shed at the Northside Lumber and Supply Company on Manufacturers Road burned in an early morning fire.
Fire officials said the blaze was spotted by a city police officer crossing Olgiati Bridge about 5:25 a.m.
Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke and fire coming from a storage shed. Seeing that the storage shed was fully involved, firefighters' initial efforts were protecting the other exposures from the flames, it was stated.
During the course of fighting the fire, firefighters found that they were being exposed to other potential dangers, spokesman Lamar Flint said. He stated, "There were overhead electrical wires in which the support pole was on fire. Also, rail cars containing propane were on a train rail within approximately 100 feet. The EPB disconnected the power source to the overhead wires, and firefighters did a great job keeping the fire and heat from impinging on the rail cars."
The shed and its contents were a total loss. The preliminary estimate is about $60,000, but that figure could increase, it was stated.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Fire Investigator Captain James Whitmire is handling the investigation.
There were no injuries reported.
Engine 1, Squad 1, Quint 2, Quint 12, and Battalion Chief David Arnold responded to the fire.
Chattanooga Police and Public Works assisted the Fire Department.
The offices and other buildings at the lumber yard were not harmed. The firm dates to 1922 and has been owned by the Reichman family since 1950.