Quick work by Chattanooga firefighters kept a fire from destroying a three-story apartment building late Saturday night.
Shortly after 10 p.m., 911 Communications started receiving calls of an apartment fire at the corner of S. Orchard Knob Avenue and Bailey Avenue. The Chattanooga Fire Department responded with six fire companies. The first on the scene was Engine 5. Lt. Chris Cordes said smoke and flames were shooting out a second story apartment window. Lt. Cordes said the fire was intense, so a 2nd alarm response was ordered, bringing in six additional fire companies.
The firefighters had to force their way into the building, with firefighters from Squad 1 finding the fire in an apartment on the 2nd floor (see attached photo by Lt. Hicks). Captain David Thompson Jr. said they were able to get the fire under control in 10 to 15 minutes. No injuries were reported. Captain Thompson said the building appeared to have tenants, but none appeared to be home at the time of the fire.
The fire was contained to the one apartment unit, with some smoke and water damage to adjacent units. The cause of the fire is under investigation.