Chattanooga, TN – Chattanooga Fire Department crews brought a fire under control within minutes Thursday morning after it broke out inside Avondale Head Start on Ocoee Street.
According to CFD, the fire was reported at 6:27 a.m. on September 25, 2025, when a maintenance worker called 911 after fire alarms went off and smoke was detected in the building. Blue and Red Shift companies responded, arriving on scene at 6:31 a.m. with no visible signs of fire from the outside.
Firefighters made entry and discovered smoke and flames on the second floor. A quick attack brought the fire under control by 6:40 a.m., and crews then began ventilation to clear smoke from the structure.
Investigators determined the fire was accidental, caused by a small refrigerator inside a large office. While the flames were contained to that office, smoke and water damage extended into the hallway.
No injuries were reported. Responding units included Engine 4, Engine 5, Ladder 5, Engine 15, Engine 10, Squad 1, Ladder 1, Battalion 3, Battalion 2, and the CFD Investigations Division.