Firefighters Stop Fire At Local IHOP Restaurant

Chattanooga firefighters did not have far to go when fire broke out at the IHOP on Highway 153 in Hixson around 9 a.m. on Friday. Battalion Chief Don Bowman and firefighters with Quint 16 had just enjoyed a nice breakfast there while having a morning staff meeting. When the firefighters returned to their fire truck and were getting ready to drive off, one of the firefighters spotted a fire on the outside of the building. They immediately sprang into action, evacuating the restaurant and calling for additional fire companies. 

Chief Bowman said the fire appears to have started in the mulch surrounding the outside of the building. The fire got into the walls and smoke was beginning to fill the inside of the restaurant. Chief Bowman said the firefighters attacked the fire aggressively, opening up the wall on the inside and outside to get to the flames. They had the fire out in five to 10 minutes. No one was injured. 

Though smoked up a bit, most of the restaurant was spared any serious damage. The loss was estimated at $5,000. Chief Bowman said the fire was most likely caused by an improperly discarded cigarette butt, and will be ruled accidental. Chattanooga Police and Hamilton County EMS also provided assistance.