Man shot in leg on Foust Street

Chattanooga police report that a man was shot in the leg shortly before 11 p.m. Tuesday while walking at 2116 Foust St.

Sgt. Wayne Jefferson Jr., police spokesman, said in a news release that Jeffery House told officers he didn't see where the shot came from and could not provide any suspect information.

House, 24, was taken to a hospital. His injuries were not life-threatening, Jefferson said.

Lightning suspected in fires

A fierce thunderstorm with heavy rainfall and lightning that lit up the sky caused street flooding and scattered power outages Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.

As the storms intensified, Chattanooga firefighters responded to several fires thought to be caused by lightning, according to Bruce Garner, department spokesman.

Fire investigators will determine the causes of the fires, he said.

Among the fires are three described by Garner as the most extensive in terms of damage:

At 6329 Jocelyn Drive, Battalion Chief Steve Swanson said flames were visible outside the house when the first firefighters arrived.

Swanson said the fire was put out fairly quickly.

No injuries were reported, Garner said.

At 2428 Baskette Way, the fire was visible from a few miles away. The structures were described as townhomes. Battalion Chief Bob Dixon said a four-unit townhome complex was engulfed in flames.

Dixon called for two extra fire companies to help get the blaze under control. Damage was extensive. Dixon said it appeared that everyone in the townhomes got out safely.

One firefighter was injured when a hose coupling struck him on the head. Dixon said the firefighter was taken to a local hospital, where he received a few stitches and was released.

At 1919 Polymer Drive, firefighters with six fire companies rushed to a commercial fire at Lectrus Inc. Flames were shooting through the roof of the large, metal building when the first firefighters arrived.

The fire damage to the building and its contents was extensive. Swanson said one firefighter was treated on the scene for heat exhaustion.

All of the employees in the building had made it out safely. Workers told firefighters that they saw a bright flash and then heard what sounded like an explosion. Moments later, fire was discovered in the building, Garner said.

Paul Reynolds, production supervisor for the night shift, said the building was used mostly for storage and maintenance. He said Lectrus employs about 250 people and makes electrical enclosures and solar integrators. He said the fire will affect part of the operation, but not all of it.