Saturday night at the movies was abruptly interrupted for about 1,000 movie-goers when a cardboard movie promotional display was set ablaze. The incident occurred shortly before 9:00 p.m. at the Carmike Cinemas Northgate 14 near Northgate Mall.
Thad Morton, city manager with Carmike Cinemas, said he was near the front lobby when he heard a hissing sound. As he went to investigate, he heard a woman yell that there was a fire in the hallway. Mr. Morton immediately activated a pull alarm, which automatically stopped all of the movie projectors and turned the lights on. The staff then immediately fanned out throughout the complex and instructed all of the movie patrons to evacuate the building immediately. A couple of off-duty Chattanooga police officers and a couple of off-duty firefighters happened to be in attendance at the time and they provided assistance with the evacuation. Mr. Morton said the evacuation was accomplished in three to four minutes.
By the that time, Chattanooga firefighters with six fire companies arrived on the scene. Captain Rusty Rymer with Squad 2 said the heat from the burning cardboard activated the sprinkler system, which effectively put the fire out. The hallway was smoked up for a time, but no injuries were reported. Captain Rymer said there was some limited fire damage and water damage from the sprinkler system.
Todd Coffman, the general manager of the complex, said the staff would assess the damage overnight before making a decision on whether or not they would be able to open for business on Sunday. Mr. Coffman said everyone who had to evacuate last night can get a full refund if they bring in their ticket stubs.
Lieutenant Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division said the physical evidence does suggest that the fire was intentionally set. The investigation is ongoing.