Chattanooga, TN – Authorities safely removed a hazardous substance from a Hixson home after a homeowner discovered an old bottle containing diethyl ether anhydrous in a garage.
The Chattanooga Police and Fire departments responded to the 400 block of Northmont Road at about 11:24 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, after the substance was discovered.
As a precaution, authorities evacuated four homes, including the residence where the bottle was found. Other nearby residents were instructed to shelter in place while emergency crews assessed the situation.
The Chattanooga Police Department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team assisted Chattanooga Fire Department Special Operations personnel with the removal of the substance.
Part of Northmont Road was also closed to traffic while authorities worked at the property.
Officials said there were no airborne hazards or other safety threats associated with the incident, helping limit the risk to surrounding residents.
In a later update, the Chattanooga Fire Department confirmed that the hazardous material had been successfully removed from the Northmont Road property.
No injuries were reported, and authorities said there were no issues during the removal operation.