Hay Bale Trailer Fire
 
By Deputy Chief Rick Schartel
October 29, 2023
 

On Sunday afternoon October 29, WFD Ladder 79, along with TSFR Engine 85 and Tanker 85 were dispatched to southbound Rt 222 at the 422 East split in Wyomissing Boro for a vehicle fire, reported as hay bales on fire on trailer. Additional information from Berks County Communications was that smoke was visible on their PennDOT camera feed.

L79 arrived on location and reported a working fire with flames and smoke showing from the trailer, which held several large bales of rolled hay. L79 went to work with their bumper hose line as E85 arrived to supply additional water. In order to ensure adequate water on the highway, Cumru FD Tanker 42-1 was special called. In addition, command also eventually special called Brush 42-1 for their CAFS system, in case Class A foam application was called for, and a backhoe from Wyomissing Boro in case off-loading was required.

Fortunately, the prompt and aggressive water attack initiated by first arriving companies was able to control the fire without removal of the bales and application of foam, thus ensuring the salvage of the entire load. Ultimately the hauler was allowed to remove the trailer with hay intact to his farm west of Robesonia. The load was escorted out of Spring Twp by TN85 in case of rekindle and onto the destination by Deputy 85. Station 26 was alerted to the proposed storage on site of the load and met the owner on his arrival with TN26 to ensure its safety.

TSFR and Greenfields Fire Police established traffic flow around the work zone to ensure personnel safety until released by police.

 
Units: Engine 85, Tanker 85, Traffic 85, Ladder 79, Deputy 85
 
Mutual Aid: Tanker 42-1, Brush 42-1, Traffic 55