This from East Ridge Fire Chief Mike Williams:

As other fire departments in our area, and as the Chattanooga Fire Department has stated, The East Ridge Fire Rescue Department wants the public to know that in the midst of the current state of emergency due to COVID-19 concerns, our firefighters remain ready at both of our fire stations to respond to emergency calls.

We still have to protect the public.

We are taking a proactive stance when it comes to widespread prevention efforts as we serve the citizens during this time.

Emergency response is the department’s primary duty and responsibility. All efforts will be made to ensure staffing for response coverage is maintained for all citizens.

The East Ridge Fire Rescue Department will continue to provide response for all types of incidents. This includes response to fires, EMS calls, rescues, and citizen-assist calls.

Firefighters are already equipped with personal protective equipment and gear (i.e. medical gloves, N-95 respirator masks and eye protection, impervious garments and/or turnout gear).

For now, the department has suspended extended training activities and classes to maximize staffing. All public events have been cancelled in the coming weeks in order to reduce exposure potential and to concentrate staffing to response.

As other departments, our message right now as we carry on our duties is to be more vigilant in our personal care and interactions with the public, following all health guidelines set forth by local, state and federal agencies.