A newly released report from Walker County Fire and Rescue reveals the dangerous conditions firefighters faced while battling a deadly shed fire in Rossville earlier this month, including multiple explosions that caused the building’s roof to lift from the structure.
According to WTVC-TV NewsChannel 9 in Chattanooga, the fire occurred on October 20 and claimed the life of 38-year-old Michael James Carney.
The report indicates firefighters arrived to find an approximately 800-square-foot wooden shed with about 25% of the structure engulfed in flames.
As crews began battling the blaze, they encountered multiple explosions inside the building, including aerosol cans of foam sealant exploding near the front entrance.
The situation became even more dangerous when another explosion occurred as firefighters approached the shed, causing the roof to lift from the structure.
Due to the hazardous conditions, incident command directed firefighters to maintain defensive operations while crews worked to extinguish the flames and cool the exploding cans.
Firefighters initially conducted a search of the shed but did not locate anyone inside.
However, during overhaul operations, when crews were checking for remaining fire and hot spots, firefighters discovered Carney’s body inside the structure.
After confirming the death, crews evacuated the building to preserve the scene for investigators.
The report indicates firefighters brought the blaze under control by 8:54 a.m., approximately 22 minutes after the first fire unit arrived.
The Walker County Sheriff’s Office and the State Fire Marshal responded to investigate the fatal fire. Firefighters later turned the scene over to investigators before leaving the property.
Investigators previously determined the fire was accidental.
According to those findings, vapors from spray foam insulation ignited after coming into contact with an unidentified heat source inside the enclosed shed, which had inadequate ventilation.
The newly released report, as detailed by WTVC-TV in Chattanooga, provides additional insight into the dangerous conditions emergency responders encountered while fighting the fire that claimed Carney’s life.