Nu Foam Fire Caused by Static Spark

Chattanooga, TN, November 1, 2006--Fire investigators say a static spark ignited a blaze this morning at Nu Foam. The two-alarm fire started accidentally inside a machine used to make foam for mattresses and furniture. Firefighters kept the blaze in the plant, which produces foam used in bedding, furniture and carpet cushion, from spreading to nearby buildings on Wisdom Street, despite getting on the scene after the fire had broken through the roof. "The plant workers evidentially attempted to put the fire out themselves and did that for several minutes before someone eventually called 911. By the time we arrived you could see thick, black smoke for miles around the city," says Bruce Garner with Chattanooga's Fire Department. Fire officials say many of the first firefighters arriving to fight the flames ran across the street from the Fire Administration Building. They used foam to contain the blaze. About 50 people worked in the area of the plant involved in the fire.