07/July/2013 – Equipment Fire – “A” Shift

Incident # 13-03706 – At 20:55 Sunday evening 07-July, Station # 26 was dispatched to was believed to be a vehicle fire at 244 Remount Lane. On arrival, Engine 26 could see a large column of flames on the property but was confronted with a locked gate. Firefighters used bolt cutters to breach the lock and found a large oil and asphalt tank burning at an asphalt plant located on the property. The fire was threatening a 5,000 gallon gasoline storage tank and a 20,000 gallon diesel fuel storage tank which was located less than ten feet from the fire. Engine 26 requested a full structural assignment with the ARFF added. Firefighters deployed two 1-3/4 handlines to combat the fire until Tenders arrived. Larger streams were not used due to no hydrants being available in the area. Crews worked diligently for about ten minutes before knocking the fire down. Tender 19 arrived to supply Engine 26 so the crews continued to cool the burned out equipment and adjacent tanks. A small amount of oil was dispersed around the equipment due to the fire streams.

It was diked to stop the spread of the oil and contaminated water. Thermal Imaging equipment was used to monitor the temperature of the tanks. Firefighters continued to cool the metal platform and support structure until it was deemed safe. The plant maintenance staff also responded to the scene. After examining the damaged equipment they determined it was caused from an equipment malfunction. The unit runs continuously to heat the asphalt. The damage was contained to the unit which received extensive damage. The asphalt tank was not breached. The fuel storage tanks did not appear to be damaged either. Fire units were on the scene for 1-1/2 hours.

Engine 19, Engine 26, Tender 1, Tender 4, Tender 5, Tender  19, Tender 26, Tender 27, ARFF 19, Medic 26, Battalion 1, Car 12, Car 105 and Car 111 responded. Firefighter-Paramedic (Acting Battalion Chief) Brian Rowe served as Incident Commander.