Underground Fire Closes Several Downtown Streets

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Fire Department responded to a reported fire in a man-hole at the corner of Chestnut and W. 8th Street yesterday afternoon, resulting in the closure of several downtown streets. Fire companies found black smoke coming from an underground electrical service line with the man-hole cover blown-off.

Fire Department personnel as well as the Chattanooga Police Department blocked all streets surrounding the incident until the arrival of the Electric Power Board. Due to the possible charged electrical equipment, firefighters did not attempt to extinguish the fire until consulting with Power Board personnel. After EPB’s arrival, it was determined the insulation around the wiring was burning and the involved cable had been isolated. A dry chemical fire extinguisher was used to extinguish the fire.

No electric service was lost to the buildings surrounding the man-hole. The Hamilton County Emergency Medical Service also responded for stand-by.