Truck Fire on I-66
 
By Assistant Chief Tom Wood
April 7, 2015
 

At approximately 0130, units from Stonewall Jackson, Gainesville, Haymarket, Bristow, Nokesville, Buckhall, Lake Jackson, Coles District, and Fairfax County were dispatched to Box 1183 for a reported truck fire on Interstate 66. Communications was reporting a trailer fully involved. A truck fire complement and tanker task force were assigned.

Battalion 501 marked on scene with a flatbed trailer carrying bales and rolls of straw and hay with about 1/3 of the trailer involved, and established command. The driver had already detached the tractor and pulled a safe distance away. E511 arrived and initiated fire attack, supported and supplied by E504. E525 established a fill site on Bulloch Drive for the tanker task force. E524 arrived and supported operations as well. Tanker 506 established a nursing operation for E511. E507 was assigned as the Water Supply Officer. When the bulk of the fire was knocked down, Command released two tankers. All other units were committed to removing burning materials from the trailer and extinguishing them with two handlines.

Knockdown was completed and extensive overhaul continued for another 30-45 minutes. The scene was eventually turned over to Virginia State Police.

The rapid, well-coordinated actions by all involved limited damage to the trailer, which was still drivable after the incident.

 
Units: E511, A511, BC501Y (Wood)
 
Mutual Aid: E504, E524, E525, E507, E438, K506, K516, K505, K440