Incline Railway affected by Lookout Mountain fire as firefighters briefly evacuate St. Elmo

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  A dramatic scene unfolded throughout the day on the side of Lookout Mountain.

A plume of smoke dotted the Chattanooga skyline, and a fire has affected a storied Chattanooga attraction.

Shortly before 7 Saturday morning, the Chattanooga Fire Department says a brush fire began off of a trail above the 700 block of South Scenic Highway.

Lookout Mountain Fire Chief Dale Taylor described, “It was spreading slowly, but it was in an area we could not get to.”

Units from the National Park Service and the Tennessee Forestry Service, and Lookout Mountain Fire Department all joined to assist in the efforts, but things took an unpredictable turn.

Chief Taylor said, “Unfortunately, the fire did get a little bit out of control for a few minutes, including catching the railroad tiles on the Incline Railway.”

The interaction with the Incline Railway, which has been in operation since the 1890’s, caused great concern for Chattanooga firefighters.

They ordered an evacuation of about 20 residences near the St. Elmo Incline Railway station around 2 Saturday afternoon.

Tennessee Avenue between 37th and 40th Streets was shut off as well, impacting businesses such as Mr. T’s Pizza, Amigo’s Mexican Cantina, and 1885 Grill.

None of the businesses sustained damage.

Capt. Terry Knowles, the Special Operations Chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department said, “It involving the tracks of the Incline and the mechanics of the Incline, we prompted it. In case one of the cars was to let go due to the fire and come down to the lower station area.”

This evacuation was lifted by 5 Saturday afternoon.

The railway’s cars were safely removed below the fire, as firefighters brought in reinforcements.

Chief Taylor said, “The National Park Service was instrumental to bring in a helicopter to conduct water drops, we’re just trying to make sure it doesn’t spread.”

Even though rain is in the forecast, Chief Knowles has tips to help avoid causing other fires while it remains dry.

Capt. Knowles said, “Just avoid outside fires, burning anything. I know the burn ban is not in effect right now, but until we get some rain maybe limit that. Outside grill or any kind of grilling, just have a water supply just in case something catches on fire.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

As of Saturday evening the latest update on the fire from the Chattanooga Fire Department was:

 “There is a fire break around the entire impacted area. The only fire that crews are having to deal with is the railroad ties from the incline which is in areas that are very challenging to reach. Firefighters are holding the line and making sure everything is protected. There are multiple people on “fire watch” throughout the night at various locations of the rail.”

Additionally, Scott Wilson, the Chief of Staff for CARTA, stated:

“The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is temporarily closed due to an ongoing active fire incident.

We are fully cooperating with emergency response teams who are currently managing the situation. The safety of our guests and staff remains our highest priority.

We will conduct a thorough assessment once emergency personnel have secured the site and will provide updates regarding service restoration when appropriate.”