Chattanooga, TN – A group of Chattanooga city leaders, healthcare professionals, and community members got a firsthand look at the challenging and often dangerous work of firefighters during the annual Fire Ops 101 event held Saturday.
The immersive program, hosted by the Chattanooga Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 820 and the Chattanooga Fire Department, took place at the Fire and Police Training Center. Designed to offer a realistic glimpse into the daily operations of the fire service, Fire Ops 101 placed participants directly in the action—allowing them to experience the physical and technical demands that come with the job.
Participants rotated through a series of training evolutions that included fire extinguisher use, fire suppression and search drills, urban search and rescue rope training, vehicle extrication techniques, and hazardous materials response. Each hands-on scenario was supervised by professional firefighters, offering instruction, guidance, and insight into emergency response procedures.
This year’s event was particularly notable as it marked the first Fire Ops 101 to take place at the new Chattanooga Fire Department and Hamilton County Emergency Services Training Tower, a state-of-the-art facility built to enhance regional training capabilities.
Organizers say the purpose of the event is not only to inform but also to foster greater appreciation and understanding of the fire service’s role in the community.
“The union hosts this class to educate the public on the rigors of the job,” officials stated. “It’s about building stronger connections between firefighters and the community they serve.”
The Chattanooga Fire Department expressed gratitude to everyone who participated and helped make the event a success.