CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — One person was hospitalized with burns and 20 apartments were affected after a Friday night fire at the MAA Hamilton Apartments on East Brainerd Road, the Chattanooga Fire Department said.
Firefighters were dispatched to MAA Hamilton Apartments in the 6500 block of East Brainerd Road around 8:12pm after 911 calls reported smoke and flames coming from Building 700. Crews found flames on the first and second floors, fought the fire while searching apartments, and quickly brought it under control while staying for hot spots and salvage work.
A second account said Blue Shift companies were dispatched at 8:12 P.M. after Hamilton County 911 took frantic calls about smoke and flames, and placed the complex at 6574 East Brainerd Road. Officials said all impacted residents have been accounted for, and complex managers are working to relocate people from 20 affected apartments.
Premier Drive remained closed overnight, and fire officials told residents to stay away while crews worked the scene. Police recommended that displaced residents arrange overnight lodging with friends or family. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
City data lists Chattanooga City Hall at 101 E 11th St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, the civic address residents use for city services while apartment managers handle temporary housing. Erlanger Health System is among the major local care providers for burn and trauma patients in Hamilton County.
Anyone who lived in Building 700 or nearby units should follow management relocation instructions and avoid Premier Drive until police reopen the corridor. Investigators have not released a cause or a damage estimate for the East Brainerd Road blaze.