Several people have been rescued by Chattanooga firefighters and police officers during an apartment building fire on Tuesday afternoon, according to a news release from the Chattanooga Fire Department.
Firefighters arrived at the Rustic Village North Apartments on Sunflower Lane at around 2:30 p.m. to find residents trapped on balconies with smoke and flames coming from one of the buildings. Smoke from the fire was also reportedly seen from Bonny Oaks Drive.
Chattanooga police officers and firefighters grabbed ladders and managed to rescue five people from the balconies. Another injured man was pulled out of the ground floor and two dogs were also rescued, the release states.
A Chattanooga firefighter carries a dog while responding to the scene of an afternoon apartment building fire at the Rustic Village North Apartments on Sunflower Lane on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. / Photo provided by the Chattanooga Fire DepartmentFirefighters had to create a "vertical ventilation" by cutting holes in the roof to let out heat and smoke in order to fight the blaze. Flames were seen on both floors of the building and the attic.
Six people were taken to a local hospital to receive treatment for injuries. Several of the apartments are significantly damaged, according to the release.
The fire was under control at about 3:30 p.m. and is currently under investigation. One man whose apartment is the source of the fire remains in critical condition.
Chattanooga firefighters and police officers are seen responding to the scene of an afternoon apartment building fire at the Rustic Village North Apartments on Sunflower Lane on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. / Photo provided by the Chattanooga Fire Department
Chattanooga police officers are seen responding to the scene of an afternoon apartment building fire at the Rustic Village North Apartments on Sunflower Lane on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. / Photo provided by the Chattanooga Fire Department