The National Park Service said it is investigating the cause of a costly woodlands fire on the side of Lookout Mountain on Saturday.
The fire did extensive damage to the tracks and cable system of the Incline Railway, which is a major funding source for CARTA.
Incline officials said the attraction will be closed for months due to needed repairs
NPS officials said, "The wildland fire was reported on the eastern slope of Lookout Mountain within the boundaries of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, south of the Incline Railway, near the Hardy Trail.
"Resources were mobilized immediately, and a Type 1 Helicopter was able to successfully complete several water drops throughout the day. Currently the cause of the fire is undetermined and is still being investigated by a National Park Service fire investigator. The fire is approximately 10 acres and is 100% contained with crews continuing to monitor the fire.
"Multiple agencies have assisted with fire suppression including Lookout Mountain Fire and Police (TN and GA), National Park Service, Chattanooga Fire and Police Department, Tennessee Division of Forestry, East Ridge Police Department, Catoosa County Fire Department, West Brow, Hamilton County Rehab, Walker County Fire Department, Red Bank Fire Department, Tri community Fire Department. These agencies were instrumental at mobilizing and protecting property.
"As a result of this fire, the tracks/rails along the Incline Railway caught fire creating black smoke from the railroad ties and may be visible for the next several days."
The Mountain Beautiful Trail on Lookout Mountain remains closed until further notice.
Charles D. Frazier, CARTA CEO said, "The swift and professional response from all emergency personnel, combined with the preparedness of our Incline Railway team, prevented what could have been a far more devastating situation. The joint training exercise that CARTA initiated in April with emergency responders proved invaluable in protecting this historic landmark. While we face significant repairs ahead, I want to assure our community that we will restore this Tennessee treasure for future generations to experience and enjoy. The Incline Railway has been a part of Chattanooga's story for 129 years, and we are committed to ensuring it remains a vital part of our community's future."
Officials said, "The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway site is now under control, though some sections continue to smolder. Emergency teams have departed the site, having completed their immediate response operations."
Initial observations revealed several critical areas of damage:
- The cable system has been severed and will require months to remanufacture due to its specialized nature.
- Both the rail system and cross timbers have sustained damage, though the full extent remains unknown.
- The railway is insured, and the insurance company has been engaged.
CARTA has already initiated key steps toward restoration:
- Replacement plans are underway with the cable manufacturer for the specialized replacement cable, which was fully replaced in April 2024
- Rail manufacturers have been engaged and are standing by.
- Timber suppliers are on alert to provide necessary materials.
- Engineers will begin their comprehensive assessment tomorrow and develop a repair plan for the rail and timbers.
Earlier this spring, and for the first time ever, CARTA initiated comprehensive emergency response training that proved fortuitously timely. The preparation included:
- Day-long rescue exercises with the Chattanooga Fire Department's Special Operations team
- Coordination with Hamilton County Emergency Management and local first responders
- Practice of complex extraction scenarios from elevated trestles using specialized equipment
- In addition, Chattanooga Fire was at the Incline last Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday