the crowd at the grand opening of Fire Station 15 in Eastdale.
By Camm Ashford
The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) unveiled its brand new fire station in Eastdale on last Thursday, Oct. 3. The $5 million project replaces the previous 64-year-old station, which was demolished last year.
“The opening of this new fire station marks a significant investment in the safety and well-being of the Eastdale community,” said Mayor Tim Kelly. “Station 15 is more than just a building–it represents our commitment to providing our firefighters with the tools they need to protect and serve Chattanooga. This modern, state-of-the-art facility will not only enhance response times, but will also serve as a model for future fire stations as our city continues to grow. I’m proud to see this project come to life and grateful to everyone who made it possible.”
The new station, located at 912 Shallowford Rd., is a significant upgrade from its predecessor. It features a larger footprint, modern amenities, and improved facilities for firefighters. The two-bay, 9,500-square-foot building will accommodate more personnel and apparatus, allowing for future expansion.
“The old fire station was built in the 1960s, and we just surpassed the usability of that station,” said Chattanooga Fire Chief Phil Hyman. “It was so small, it was not very user-friendly, and our firefighters deserve better.”
The new station includes locker rooms for both men and women, reflecting the department’s growing diversity. It also features a gym, sleeping rooms, showers, a kitchen and a living area, providing firefighters with a comfortable and functional workspace.
“It also has some important details in it, where we store our turnout gear that has a lot of carcinogens in it, we’re storing it away from our food and eating areas,” Chief Hyman noted.
The opening of the new fire station took place just days after the Chattanooga City Council approved lowering the age requirement for new firefighters from 21 to 18. This change is expected to attract more young people to the profession and help address staffing shortages.
“This policy change opens doors for more of our young people who are passionate about serving their community,” said District 9 Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod. “Firefighting is not just a job–it’s a calling. By lowering the age, we are giving more young men and women the chance to step into that role earlier, begin their careers, and make a difference.” She added, “This is a monumental day for Eastdale. The opening of Fire Hall Station 15 represents more than just a new building–it represents security, strength, and peace of mind for our entire community. I am incredibly proud to see this project come to life, and I know it will make a lasting impact for generations to come.”