photo by Battalion Chief Don Bowman
A small fire broke out in the Hixson Kmart Sunday afternoon.
The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 3:22 p.m. and responded to 5380 Highway 153 with six fire companies. Capt. Britt said no fire was visible when the first firefighters arrived, but when they went inside, smoke was building up quickly in the right, front portion of the building, which is used as a printing room.
Battalion Chief Don Bowman, the incident commander, said the entire building was evacuated as firefighters made their way inside. Chief Bowman said the firefighters made a “good catch” by locating the fire and quickly getting the blaze under control. The building’s sprinkler system was also a contributing factor in keeping the fire in check until firefighters arrived.
The fire damage was contained to the printing room. The rest of the store however, had substantial smoke damage. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire will be ruled accidental. Chief Bowman said the fire appears to have originated from one of the printers. An estimate on the dollar loss was not available. The firefighters set up powerful fans to help ventilate the large building. Employees with Kmart said it may take a day or two to clean up the smoke and water damage.
Chattanooga Police, Hamilton County EMS and EPB all provided valuable assistance.