Emergency Communication from the Hamilton County Emergency Operations Center on Behalf of Hamilton County Emergency Management (HCEMA)

Hamilton County, TN – Local fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies are currently managing a chemical fire at 482 McBrien Road near the RAVE Theatre just off I-24. Due to the fire, a mandatory evacuation has been ordered for the residents within a half mile radius of the fire’s location. A map detailing a half-mile radius has been attached to this release.

I-24 has been closed in both directions from the I-24/I-75 split to the North Germantown exit. Motorists should avoid this area and seek alternative routes.

A public shelter has been opened at the Chris Ramsey Community Center (Brainerd Recreation Center) located at 1010 North Moore Road. For those who are unable to leave their homes due to mobility issues, please call (423) 209-5404 and request assistance. As noted above, I-24 has been closed so evacuating residents should utilize alternative routes to avoid delays.

The East Ridge Fire Department is the lead agency responding to this incident. For up-to-date information, please encourage your viewers to follow the following social media pages:

• HCSO Facebook/Twitter Page

• HCEMA Facebook/Twitter Page

• Chattanooga Police Department Facebook/Twitter Page

• Chattanooga Fire Department Facebook/Twitter Page

This is an ongoing incident requiring a collective effort from several local emergency agencies and information will be released as it becomes available. Photos below are courtesy of numerous local responding agencies.

All INDIVIDUALS SHOULD REMAIN OUT OF THE EFFECTIVE AREA UNTIL FUTHER NOTICE.

EXPECT MAJOR TRAFFIC DELAYS IN AREAS FED BY I-24 AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS.