In emergency situations, quick and efficient response is crucial. When a commercial truck/trailer caught fire on a September evening at approximately 9:26 p.m. on I-81 North, mile marker 81.7, the incident required a well-coordinated effort from the emergency response team to ensure safety, remediation and traffic control. Here are the details of how this challenging situation was effectively addressed.
Upon receiving a call from the PA State Police Jonestown, the response team from Blatt & Tillett swiftly dispatched personnel and equipment to the scene. The rear of the trailer, which was hauling general freight, caught fire, burning 30-40 percent of it. The Blatt & Tillett recovery team promptly responded. The trailer was still smoldering when the team arrived.
Assessment and Collaboration
Upon arrival, the response team assessed the situation and collaborated with the fire department command on the scene to ensure a safe and coordinated effort. The fire department had already cut sections open and overhauled the products it contained to extinguish the fire, paving the way for the remediation process. Clear communication between the response team and the fire department is crucial for a seamless operation.
The response team quickly established a recovery plan, dispatching additional equipment and resources needed for the overhaul and cleanup. Debris from the trailer was relocated and loaded into tri-axle dump trucks, ensuring a swift and effective removal process. Simultaneously, equipment was set up for the impending trailer separation and towing.
As the fire department prepared to leave, the response team assumed traffic control responsibilities, which involved placing a traffic control unit with a message board and advance warning, ensuring the safety of both the emergency responders and passing motorists. A single-lane traffic pattern was constructed over a significant stretch of the highway, providing a secure working zone for the crew.
Trailer Separation and Load Removal
The use of specialized tools and equipment, including a crash support truck, facilitated the separation of the burned portion of the trailer. The careful removal of the remaining load, which included assorted general goods, required meticulous handling due to the loose stacking of skids. The team employed skid loaders, pallet jacks and manual efforts to restack and remove the skids.
Once the load was sufficiently reduced, a heavy-duty wrecker was positioned to tow the trailer safely. Traffic control measures were maintained throughout this process, ensuring the safety of all involved. After towing the trailer to a secure location, the cleanup involved sweeping the shoulder and roadway free of debris using specialized equipment.
A Well-Coordinated Success
The successful response to the commercial truck/trailer fire on I-81 North illustrates the importance of coordination, quick decision-making and the use of specialized equipment in emergency situations. The efficient collaboration between the response team and the fire department, coupled with meticulous planning, ensured a safe and timely resolution, minimizing the impact on both the environment and traffic flow.
