A cause has been determined for the Frazier Avenue apartment fire that occurred around 1:30 a.m. on November 22, leading to seven rescues.
The Chattanooga Fire Department has identified an electric vehicle (EV) in the parking garage as the source of the fire. Most vehicles in the garage, including two cars and the EV, sustained significant heat damage. Businesses and apartments above the garage also suffered smoke damage.
According to the fire department, this marks their first large-scale incident involving an EV.
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Five people were hospitalized after an apartment fire broke out on Frazier Avenue early Friday morning, as reported by the Chattanooga Fire Department.
Firefighters successfully rescued seven individuals in total. Responders arrived at 417 Frazier Avenue at approximately 1:30 a.m.
The department stated that several vehicles in a parking garage connected to the apartment building were ablaze. The fire was contained to the garage and did not extend to the main structure.
“There were multiple vehicles on fire,” said Lindsey Rogers from the Chattanooga Fire Department. “The smoke from the vehicle fires spread throughout the building, so half of our crews worked in the sub-level garage to extinguish the fires, while the other half carried out multiple rescues.”
Thick smoke entered the building, making it necessary for firefighters to assist some residents in escaping. Some individuals had to evacuate using aerial ladders from upper floors. Residents expressed heartfelt gratitude to the firefighters for their swift response.
“We were relieved to get them out safely,” said CFD Battalion Chief Ashley May.
“This is what we do,” added Battalion Chief Carlos Hampton. “It’s never easy to respond to situations like this, but we’re always ready when the bell rings.”
Efforts are ongoing to gather more details from officials.