Chattanooga, TN – Chattanooga firefighters conducted water rescues Thursday afternoon, February 13, 2025, after rising waters trapped multiple people and animals in a large homeless encampment near the intersection of Quinn Adams Street and E 42nd Street.
Around 12 p.m., Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) Swiftwater Rescue Team responded to the scene, where firefighters spent hours navigating floodwaters to search individual camps and evacuate people and pets by boat.
Several agencies assisted in the operation, including Hamilton County EMS, Chattanooga Police Department, McKamey Animal Center, the Hamilton County Health Department, and officials with the city’s Office of Homeless & Supportive Housing. CFD units on scene included Squad 1, Engine 1, Engine 14, Squad 13, Battalion 1, Battalion 3, Special Operations, the Drone Unit, and command staff.
By 3:30 p.m., rescues were complete. Five people walked out of the floodwaters on the Workman Road side, while firefighters rescued ten people and 14 dogs by boat on the Quinn Adams side. One dog was found deceased.
For safety reasons, CFD announced that no further entry into the floodplain would be allowed, as water levels were expected to rise with additional rainfall. Public Works later blocked off the area to prevent further access.