TN Crews Contain Chemical Fire that Shut Down Interstate

Crews from Hamilton County contained the incident after a truck carrying organic peroxide and sodium hydroxide ignited on I-24 Wednesday night.

According to a report from WDEF, hazmat crews as well as local fire, emergency medical services, and law enforcement have successfully contained a major chemical fire at 482 McBrien Road off I-24 in Hamilton County, Tennessee, Wednesday night.

The spill caused everyone within a half-mile radius to evacuate.

Multiple county officials responded to the call at 9:09 p.m. Wednesday night near the RAVE Theatre, just off I-24. A tractor trailer carrying organic peroxide and sodium hydroxide was engulfed in fire, with some chemicals on fire in the parking lot, creating a major hazmat response.

When organic peroxide and sodium hydroxide ignite, vapors are released that can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems. The call for evacuation was prompt, and residents were able to find shelter, if needed, at the Chris Ramsey Community Center on 1010 North Moore Road.

I-24 was closed in both directions, from I-24/I-75 split. East Gate to Moore Road was also closed.

First responders worked quickly so residents could return to their normal situations.

Officials states that all individuals should remain out of the effective area until further notice as the cleanup is expected to take several days.

For current information, follow Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Chattanooga Police and Fire Departments.

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