photo by Chattanooga Fire Department
The Chattanooga Fire Department was battling several burning piles of scrap metal at PSC Metals on West 19th Street on Tuesday afternoon.
The fire was causing heavy smoke in the downtown area.
Authorities were warning residents to stay out of the area.
At 6:42, fire officials were able to report, "The fire is out. There’s no longer any smoke in the area so the 'limit exposure' alert in the vicinity of the incident is no longer needed or in place. We appreciate the hard work of everyone on this scene."
Fire officials said at 5:37 p.m., "Chattanooga Fire has multiple companies working a large scrap metal fire on 980 West 19th St. The fire has been producing smoke in the downtown area. It is now contained, but it is still burning. No buildings are involved.
"Several hours in, firefighters continue working to extinguish the scrap yard blaze.
"The call came out at 2:09 p.m. on Tuesday. We are using every available water supply around the area of this incident. Tennessee American Water has boosted pressure for CFD operations and two squads are boosting pressure at hydrants.
"One firefighter was transported to the hospital from the scene with a heat-related injury. He has been treated and released.
"Out of an abundance of caution, a public safety message was sent out through the Hamilton County alert system to phones in the area from MLK to the interstate to let the public know what’s going on and to limit their exposure to smoke. Metal, car parts, fuel tanks, and water heaters are burning.
"CPD, HCEMS, Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management, Hamilton County Rescue, CFD Special Operations and CFD command staff are assisting firefighters on this scene. Our mutual aid partners are providing coverage at our fire halls while CFD personnel work this incident. Workers at the facility are helping to move material so that firefighters can target the flames."