UPDATE: Evacuation Lifted, Residents Allowed to Return Home Following Chemical Fire in East Ridge Near I-24 – Hot

UPDATE: The scene of the chemical fire and spill has been declared safe by incident command, according to the Chattanooga Fire Department. Interstate 24 has reopened and residents may return to their homes. South Terrace between McBrien Road and Spring Creek Road will remain closed. The shopping center will also be closed. Cleanup at the site will be ongoing for several days, according to the Chattanooga Fire Department. 

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A tractor trailer hauling chemicals caught fire Thursday evening near East Ridge, triggering a major hazmat response and shutting down part of Interstate 24.

Just after 9 p.m., Chattanooga-area fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies responded to 482 McBrien Road near the AMC Chattanooga 18 theater off I-24 and found a tractor trailer on fire. The semi trailer was hauling organic peroxide and sodium hydroxide, according to a news release from the Chattanooga Fire Department.

In addition to the burning vehicle, the liquid chemicals that had spilled from the truck were on fire in the parking lot. Firefighting operations got underway and a mandatory evacuation was ordered for residents within a half mile radius of the fire’s location. When organic peroxide and sodium hydroxide burn, they release vapors that could be harmful and could cause skin irritation and respiratory issues, the news release stated.

A crash truck from the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport responded to the scene with a piercing nozzle that punctured the trailer and injected foam into the truck to knock the fire down. In addition, TDOT brought 80 tons of dirt to stop any runoff as officials continue working to address environmental concerns, according to the release.

The fire department reported that the fire was under control just after 2 a.m.

Hepaco, an environmental cleanup company, is at the scene evaluating the situation to further mitigate the incident. The preliminary investigation indicates an initial leak from containers inside the truck caused a chemical reaction, resulting in the fire. Public safety agencies are working with Hepaco to support containment and cleanup efforts, according to the release.

Interstate 24 has been closed in both directions from the I-24/I-75 split to the North Germantown exit and motorists should avoid the area and seek alternative routes, the release stated.

A public shelter has been opened at Chris Ramsey Community Center (Brainerd Recreation Center)  at 1010 North Moore Road. Those who are unable to leave their homes because of mobility issues should call 423-209-5404 and request assistance. Since I-24 has been closed in the area of the fire, evacuating residents should use alternative routes from the to avoid delays, according to the release.

People should remain away from the area until further notice. Major traffic delays in the surrounding area are expected, the release stated.

This is an ongoing hazmat response requiring a collective effort from several local emergency agencies and more information will be released as it becomes available.

— Compiled by Jody Park