Chattanooga, TN (October 7, 2025) – The Chattanooga City Council continues to support efforts to boost fire protection in East Brainerd. On Tuesday night, City Council members approved the Chattanooga Fire Department’s request to purchase a $1.8 million 107-foot Smeal ladder truck for Station 21 on East Brainerd Road. Fifteen new firefighter positions have also been approved for that fire station to staff the additional truck. Station 21 is already home to an engine company, as well as a water tanker truck. The additional truck and personnel at Station 21 are the result of funding from the FY26 budget amendment that was passed by City Council last month. This provides more substantial coverage and response to neighborhoods and businesses in that part of the city. Why Ladder 21 at Station 21 is Critical Fireground Operations: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) studies show that when ladder companies arrive late, key functions — search, rescue, ventilation, and forcible entry — are delayed, potentially leaving civilians trapped longer and increasing risk to firefighters. The absence of a ladder at Station 21 meant critical life-saving operations were postponed up to 15 minutes. Having Ladder 21 at Station 21 closes the emergency coverage gap for the neighborhoods they serve. Standards of Coverage: International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) deployment guidelines recommend at least two ladder companies on initial alarms for high-hazard occupancies such as schools, hospitals, and multi-family residences. The CFD will use an existing reserve apparatus at Station 21 until the new ladder truck arrives so we plan to have Ladder 21 in place and operational by the end of the month.
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