| On an excessively hot and sweltering afternoon of Thursday July 2, TSFRS Engine 85 was returning from another call when a fire involving a combine and surrounding field was dispatched on Green Valley Road in neighboring Lower Heidelberg Township. Based on conditions of the day and the dry conditions in the region, E85 contacted Western Berks FD FC18, confirmed their location, availability and staffing and was added to the assignment.
Information from Trooper 1, the local State Police helicopter, reported a working combine fire and approximately 2 acres of field on fire spreading toward the woods. E85 arrived as the first due apparatus and confirmed the report. The company was able to enter the field from a farm lane on Green Valley Rd. and positioned on the eastern flank of the fire. The crew then advanced a 400' 2” attack hose line to keep fire from impinging on the wooded area. WBFD E18-2 arrived and was directed to the northern side of the fire. On arrival of FC18 the strategy was formulated to split resources to attack the combine fire in addition to stopping the forward progress of the fire.
With containment established on the eastern flank, E85 personnel assisted subsequent arriving units with extinguishing the combine fire. Members assisted with overhaul of the fire area and knockdown of any flare ups, after which E85 was released upon securing personnel and equipment. |
