JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Haletown Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) took to the scene to respond to a semi-truck left ablaze on I-24 West within the 145 Mile Marker this past week.
In the wake of recent weather caused by Winter Storm Fern, 10 firemen from HVFD quickly responded to the incident during the evening hours on Monday, Jan. 26, utilizing the department’s Engine 2 fire truck in their aid to put out the flames. Prior to their arrival, the firemen were given a tip that the semi was completely engulfed in the fire, prompting the firemen to prepare for a large scale flame. Upon arrival, the firemen were met with others from both Jasper and Kimball’s Fire Departments, who also responded to the scene to provide additional mutual aid requested by Fire Chief Freddie Barnhill of HVFD.
According to HFVD’s update on its Facebook page, the Jasper Fire Department provided mutual aid with a tanker and engine, while Kimball’s Fire Department provided it with two additional tankers.
All involved were quick to put out the blaze, discovering the truck’s diesel tanks to still be full with fuel inside. However, firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze completely and immediately began work on a complete overhaul to ensure all traces of fire were extinguished before the truck was removed from the interstate.
“No civilians were harmed,” posted HFVD officials. “But one fireman received a small burn to his hand.”
All firefighters were dismissed from the sight, and the stretch of I-24 was cleared for incoming traffic. HVFD took to Facebook to extend their gratitude towards Fire Rehab Services (FRS) in Jasper in supporting all firemen at the scene with food and water during their battle against the recent inferno.
Photos submitted by Coley Brown of WVFD