Fire destroys empty building on Workman Road

An early morning fire destroyed a building Tuesday in the 400 block of Workman Road, according to a Chattanooga Fire Department news release.

About 6 a.m., Chattanooga firefighters were dispatched to a commercial fire on Workman Road. Flames were shooting through the roof when the first firefighters arrived on the scene and a request was made for a second alarm response.

The flames could be seen for miles as 13 fire companies rushed to the fire. The large, two-story brick building was empty and totally engulfed in flames. The building had reportedly been vacant for years, according to the news release.

Battalion Chief Chris Willmore said the firefighters fought the fire defensively and focused their efforts on protecting the building next door, Cabex woodworking shop. Chattanooga police, Hamilton County Emergency Services, EPB, 911’s Incident Dispatch Unit and Chattanooga-Hamilton County Rescue also provided assistance.

Several fire apparatus raised their aerials and poured thousands of gallons of water on the fire from above while firefighters on the ground used handheld hose lines to help contain the fire. The building where the fire started was gutted, but the woodworking shop next door was saved. No injuries were reported.

Willmore requested a track hoe from public works to knock down the remaining walls to remove a potential safety hazard to firefighters and the public. The track hoe will also be used to move around the charred debris so that firefighters can get to the hot spots. Workman Road will be closed while that operation takes place.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.