News

Fiery Tractor-trailer MVC - Rt. 1 NB @ Kent/NC County Line
Wednesday, June 20, 2012

At 2223 CHC units were alerted for a reported truck fire on Rt. 1 NB @ the Rt. 6 overpass. E44-4 under command of 44-18(Jarrell) responded with a full crew, shortly followed by E44-3, T-44, & R-44. While en-route Kent Center advised units it was now reported to be possibly a MVC involving 2 tractor trailers, and both were reported to be on fire. Upon arrival 44-18 reported one truck fully involved, and heavy fire impinging on the second. Just as crews were exiting the truck the diesel saddle tanks of the second truck exploded causing a fireball, and a rapid firespread. Crews quickly began to pull handlines and attack the fire. Once crews from E3, & R44 arrived they assisted with pulling more handlines, and setting up a 3" supply line to T44. 44-18 also requested a tanker company response from Sta. 53(Leipsic), and for 44-0 to respond due to a large field/brush fire caused by the spreading fire. 44-15(Willis) arrived and assumed command. Over the next 30 minutes crews used 5 handlines, saws, and numerous handtools to control the fire with assistance from station 53 crews. 44-15 placed the scene under control at 2310 with all units working. Crews remained on scene for an additional hour and a half performing extensive overhaul and putting out hotspots. The fully involved truck was loaded with boxes of fresh fish, crabs, and clams. The first truck was fully loaded with mulch, but crews were able to keep the fire from spreading to the mulch with an aggressive attack. The driver of the fully involved truck was able to exit the truck under her own power before the fire spread and was treated and transport to KGH by A64 & KM-6. The driver of the first truck was not injured and refused treatment at the scene. All crews were clear the scene and back in quarters by 0043. The scene was TOT DNREC, DSP, & DelDot. The roadway remained closed for several more hours for cleanup and removal of the trucks. Fire Police remained on scene and assisted with traffic control. Special thanks to Sta. 45(Clayton) for running dual response on all alarms during this incident. Sta. 45 units handled a serious MVC while CHC units were on the fire. Units responding: E44-4, E44-3, T44, R44, 44-0, 44-8, T53-7, E53-5, A53, A64, KM6, DNREC, DSP, & DelDot/TMC OIC was Chief Isaac J. Willis. The CHC had 46 members respond, and Sta. 53 units had 8 members respond to assist.