[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Fire Truck Damaged in Electrical Incident

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Battalion Chief John Metz
Duty PIO Pager 573-441-6608 (For Active Emergency Incidents - Leave detailed message)
Office 573-874-7644 (M-F, 8-5)


Fire Truck Damaged in Electrical Incident

COLUMBIA, MO (January 26, 2014) - At approximately 9:36 a.m. Sunday, January 26, 2014 the crew from Columbia Fire Station #4, located at 2300 Oakland Gravel Road, was conducting a routine maintenance check of their 2009 Sutphen fire engine when the apparatus’ 75’ aerial ladder came in contact with a high-voltage electrical transmission line. The incident occurred on the driveway of the fire station.

A crew member on the fire truck was able to jump clear of the apparatus safely and was not injured. As a result of coming in contact with the high-voltage line, a fire ensued that heavily damaged the fire apparatus. Additional fire crews responded and worked to prevent the fire from spreading to the fire station. Crews had to wait approximately 45 minutes until the high-voltage line was de-energized before they could extinguish the vehicle fire.

Columbia Water & Light crews at the scene estimated that between 500 and 1000 customers were without power during the incident.

The fire apparatus sustained heavy damage but the complete extent of damage, including a dollar amount, will not be known until maintenance personnel have an opportunity to inspect the vehicle. Firefighters were able to salvage some of the equipment on the truck. The fire station does not appear to have sustained any smoke or heat damage.

“We immediately placed a reserve fire engine in service and there is no interruption in service delivery to our customers” said Battalion Chief John Metz.  “It is an unfortunate incident but the important thing is that no one was hurt” Metz said.

Six fire trucks and several support vehicles responded to the incident. There were no injuries. Oakland Gravel Road, between Vandiver Drive and Holly Avenue, was closed for approximately 90 minutes during the incident. 



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