DFD douses industrial fire on Saturday

DAYTON — On Saturday, at approximately 10:28 a.m., officials with the City of Dayton said an off-duty Dayton firefighter observed smoke emerging from one of Hiwassee Packaging’s buildings located in the industrial park of the City of Dayton.

The Dayton City Fire Department, with assistance from the Hamilton County Fire Department, Chattanooga Fire Department, Dayton Police Department, Rhea County Emergency Management, Rhea and Hamilton Counties EMS and other first responders, conducted an investigation into the source of the smoke.

Subsequently, city officials said two fires were discovered within the building and were successfully extinguished at approximately 1:25 p.m. Initially, a precautionary “shelter-in-place” order was issued to residents within a 0.5-mile radius, city officials said, which was later lifted. The origin of the fire is currently under investigation, according to city officials.

“The City of Dayton extends its gratitude to the Dayton Fire Department and all neighboring first responders for their assistance during this emergency,” city officials said.