How Chattanooga Fire Department connects gas and radiation monitoring for a coordinated response at public events
THE CHALLENGE
High visibility events demand higher-level safety
Public event safety is an increasing priority for the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD), and it introduces more complex risk considerations.
Sporting events, celebrity-led music festivals, and dignitary visits bring large crowds, high visibility, and dynamic conditions that require coordinated monitoring and real-time understanding. Teams must survey wide areas in real time, often without a clear line of sight, and detect potential anomalies early to support faster response.
With multiple high-profile events each year, along with nuclear facilities nearby, CFD needed a way to continuously monitor discreetly for gas and radiation and share information quickly with other agencies.
THE SOLUTION
One connected view across multiple risk points
CFD deployed Blackline Safety’s cloud-connected EXO 8 portable area monitors to support real-time monitoring during public events and hazmat incidents and for remote exposure risk around the nuclear facilities.
Their fleet includes nine connected EXO units, used to detect up to eight gases, plus gamma radiation. Devices can be powered on quickly and begin detecting immediately, capturing elevated gas readings and changes above natural background radiation levels in real time.
During events, EXO monitors are strategically placed at entry and exit points, as well as key operational areas, to screen for potential anomalies. Because the system is connected, teams can monitor multiple locations simultaneously and access live readings remotely, improving visibility without adding complexity on scene.
THE RESULTS
Proven performance and reliability in real-world scenarios
Using the Blackline platform, CFD has realized the following safety gains:
Earlier detection of more hazards
With multi-gas and gamma monitoring in a single device, teams can identify a broader range of hazards earlier, supporting faster, more informed responses.
Confident, mission-critical reliability
Supporting 28 fire and hazmat teams, CFD depends on equipment that performs consistently in the field. EXO 8 has delivered consistent uptime, with fast support and replacement when needed—reducing downtime by 75% and financial constraints by 50% compared to legacy systems.
More durable, resilient sensors
EXO sensors have proven less prone to poisoning compared to their previous solution, especially the LEL-MPS sensor.
Built-to-last durability
EXO delivers up to 100 days of battery life and a rugged aluminum frame that holds up in harsh weather and high-traffic environments.
Real-time visibility and coordinated response
Live readings can be accessed on scene and shared instantly with stakeholders—from local emergency operations to state-level decision-makers—ensuring everyone has the same information in real time, regardless of their location.
Proven performance during large-scale incidents
During major events, including emergency scenarios like Hurricane Helene, teams could share real-time data, improving coordination and response effectiveness.
Expanded use cases for emerging risks
The department continues to explore additional applications and emerging risks, including responding to electric vehicle fires.
Blackline Safety’s web-based platform stands apart in its ability to share critical data seamlessly across stakeholders during an emergency response. There’s simply no other platform that delivers the same level of real-time visibility and connectivity, ensuring everyone—from our local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to state departments—has access to the information they need.
Robert Thompson | Assistant Chief, Special Operations, Chattanooga Fire Department
AT A GLANCE
- CFD needed a reliable system to detect gas and radiation risks at high-profile events, remotely monitor nearby nuclear facilities, and share live readings across stakeholders.
- EXO deployment delivered wide-area visibility and remote access to real-time readings.
- Solution improved reliability and ease of collaboration with outside agencies during an emergency response.
STATS
9
Connected EXO area monitors
28
fire and hazmat teams supported
2
nuclear facilities in the region
