The Story of the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway Fire
On December 7, 2024, a series of extraordinary natural events on Lookout Mountain led to a devastating wildfire that severely impacted the historic Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, one of Chattanooga’s most cherished landmarks. The incident underscored the vulnerability of natural and man-made structures to unexpected geological phenomena, leaving a lasting mark on the local community and its heritage.
The targeted reopening date is set for June 2, 2025, contingent on all reconstruction efforts proceeding without any delays or complications.
The Incident and Its Cause
Investigators from the National Parks Service (NPS) determined that the wildfire, which spanned approximately 10 acres, began in the Lookout Mountain Battlefield at around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. The cause was a large rockslide triggered by the action of freezing and thawing of massive rocks near the summit of Lookout Mountain.
As boulders tumbled down the mountain toward Ochs Highway, they collided with trees, other stationary rocks, and structures, generating extreme heat and sparks. This chain reaction created the conditions for a fast-spreading wildfire. The situation escalated when a fallen tree struck a powerline near the Hardy Trail, contributing to the ignition of additional sparks.
Despite initial concerns about human activity, NPS investigators found no evidence of human involvement in the area where the fire originated, concluding that the rockslide was the most probable cause.
We are proud to note that the safety measures set in place for the Incline Railway operated as designed, providing critical protection during this crisis. These measures, developed through rigorous planning and preparedness exercises, were instrumental in safeguarding the facility and ensuring the safety of personnel and responders.
Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press
Emergency Response
By coincidence, the Chattanooga Fire Department had been on-site at the Incline Railway the week prior, conducting emergency preparedness training. Additionally, earlier this year, CARTA organized its first-ever comprehensive emergency preparedness exercises, which included a mid-trip rescue scenario. These drills were instrumental in familiarizing safety officials with the unique challenges of responding to incidents on the Incline Railway.
Teams from the Chattanooga Fire Department, Hamilton County Emergency Management, and other agencies collaborated to contain the fire. Aerial firefighting efforts played a crucial role in controlling the blaze, with helicopters pulling water directly from the Tennessee River to douse the flames and prevent further spread.
The swift action of these responders ensured that the fire did not escalate into a larger disaster. Their efforts safeguarded nearby homes and businesses in St. Elmo, although several structures were temporarily evacuated as a precaution.
Impact on the Community
The wildfire caused widespread disruption in the St. Elmo community and surrounding areas:
- Several businesses were temporarily impacted by fire-related damage or evacuation orders.
- Multiple homes were evacuated as fire crews worked to contain the blaze and ensure residents’ safety.
- The Incline Railway’s tracks, located near the fire’s path, sustained severe damage, halting operations indefinitely. Fortunately, both the bottom and top stations were spared from the fire’s impact.
The wildfire’s swift spread and proximity to residential and commercial areas emphasized the importance of the coordinated response efforts by local fire departments, emergency management teams, and CARTA staff.
Damage to the Incline Railway
The fire inflicted significant damage on the historic Incline Railway, which has been a vital part of Chattanooga’s identity for 129 years.
- The specialized cable system, integral to the Incline’s operations, was severed and requires months to remanufacture.
- Sections of the rail infrastructure and supporting cross timbers were heavily damaged, with engineers conducting further assessments to determine the full extent of the destruction.
Steps Toward Restoration
CARTA has acted promptly to begin restoring the Incline Railway. Key actions include:
- Replacement Materials: Orders have been placed for the specialized cable system and essential timber materials critical to the Incline’s operation.
- Engineering Assessments: Comprehensive evaluations are underway by expert engineers, with detailed repair plans being developed to restore infrastructure safely and efficiently.
A Heartfelt Thank You to the Incline Railway Team
On behalf of the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA), we extend our deepest gratitude to the entire Incline Railway team for their extraordinary efforts during the recent fire at the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.
The team’s collective dedication and resilience were nothing short of remarkable. From the moment the crisis began, they demonstrated unwavering commitment, working tirelessly alongside emergency responders to safeguard one of Chattanooga’s most iconic landmarks. Their quick response, professionalism, and teamwork were instrumental in minimizing damage and setting the stage for restoration. In acknowledgment of their exceptional contributions, the entire Incline Railway team each has been awarded CARTA’s Ambassador Award, recognizing their collaborative effort, determination, and commitment to preserving this beloved piece of Chattanooga’s history.
CARTA Incline Team (in no particular order): Darryl Baker, Chris Crowe, Houston Duke, Michael Freman, Kyle Green, Alexander Harrah, Roger Hayes, Matthew Higgins, Michael Knox, Travis Leake, Cody Pace, Elaine Schlicht
A special recognition goes to Matthew Higgins, Director of the Incline Railway, whose steadfast leadership during this challenging time exemplified excellence. Remaining on-site for an extraordinary 98 consecutive hours, Matthew guided the team with care and professionalism, ensuring seamless coordination with emergency crews. His efforts were rightfully honored as the first recipient of CARTA’s Pinnacle Award, celebrating his exemplary dedication and service.
Your efforts are a testament to the strength and spirit of the CARTA family, and we are proud of all you have accomplished together.
A Commitment to Rebuilding
In the words of CARTA CEO Charles D. Frazier, “The Incline Railway has been a part of Chattanooga’s story for 129 years, and we are steadfast in our commitment to restoring this Tennessee treasure for future generations to experience and enjoy.”
While the road to recovery will be challenging, CARTA is determined to rebuild and preserve this iconic landmark. The fire serves as a reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature and the resilience of Chattanooga’s community in the face of adversity.
The Incline Railway, a symbol of innovation and history, will rise again, stronger than before, continuing its legacy as “America’s Most Amazing Mile.”
Target Reopening Date: June 2, 2025
Coming Down the Mountain
At the bottom Incline station in St. Elmo, you will find a great collection of unique shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Some of the things you’ll find are microbrewery tours, fresh flowers, homemade candlemaking, unique coffee, indoor climbing wall, fresh-made burritos, outdoor local dining, hand-dipped ice cream, nostalgic clothing or relax with a massage.
Take a Ride on the Fun Side
Ride the Incline
The Incline Railway approximately one-mile long single track system, except for the passing loop in the middle, allowing both counter-balanced trains to operate at one time.
Explore The History
Historic Lookout Mountain Hotels
Famous Riders
The Inclines
2020 Railcars