Early Morning Fire Guts Trucks

April 28, 2005:

At 4:57 AM, the Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company was alerted to a vehicle fire at the Carquest Distribution Center on Jeffrey Blvd. Initial dispatch alerted responding units that the vehicle, a semi-tractor trailer, was located in the enclosed loading docks adjacent to the main building. The resulting exposure prompted an automatic second alarm activation. Big Tree 9 was the first unit on location and reported two vehicles fully involved with exposure to another vehicle and the building.

Big Tree Engine 2 was the first engine in and worked on a water supply while making an initial attack with a 2 1/2” and 1 3/4” attack lines. Assistance from a Newton Abbott engine helped to secure the water supply and feed Big Tree 2. Additional crews made an interior breach and found the fire was contained to the vehicles and covered dock. Multiple lines were were needed to extinguish the fire and control the smoldering debris. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Town of Hamburg Police Department. A New York State DEC Spill Response Team was called in because of water carrying chemicals into the drains. There was a risk of fuel and chemicals from the contents of the trucks which included batteries.

A thanks goes out to all mutual aid companies involved: Newton Abbott, Scranton, Woodlawn, Lake Shore, Armor, Hamburg, Orchard Park, and District Coordinators.