City officials and community members on Oct. 23 commended East Ridge Fire Rescue, the police department and mutual-aid partners for their response to an apartment fire at Germantown Gardens that forced an early-morning evacuation.

East Ridge Fire Chief (identified in meeting as Chief Williams) told the council the department received a call about 4:30 a.m. and that crews found fire in attic areas. The department requested a second alarm and mutual aid; crews from Chattanooga, Catoosa County, Rossville, Walker County and other mutual-aid partners assisted at the scene and covered calls while East Ridge units worked the fire.

Chief Williams said the building had about 20 occupied apartments. He reported no firefighter or civilian injuries and said, “We could have very easily have seen lives lost. We're very fortunate that we didn't. We didn't have anyone hurt, both public safety or citizens,” remarks the chief made during the meeting.

The chief said pets were present and that animal services was already using social media to reunite missing pets with owners. He thanked residents and mutual-aid partners for their efforts, and council members also offered their appreciation during the communications section of the meeting.

A resident who spoke during the communications-of-citizens portion, Bob Gilreath, thanked the fire and police departments and other first responders for the rapid response and evacuation.

No formal action was required of the council at the Oct. 23 meeting; staff said city departments will continue to support affected residents with follow-up resources and information.