Crime & Safety

Tractor-Trailer Carry Explosive Cargo Catches Fire

Quick actions by Barrow County firefighters "helped to avert what could have been a large disaster."

Barrow County firefighters placed themselves in a very high risk situation on Dec. 30, according to officials.

At 7:35 a.m., a 911 caller advised a tractor-trailer carrying explosive material was on fire in the 1100 block of Finch Road. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy fire in the cab of the vehicle.

"The crews quickly went into an offensive attack on the fire to try and control the flames," interim Chief John Skinner said in a released statement. "Their quick actions and their willingness to put themselves into a very high risk situation helped to avert what could have been a large disaster."

Crews used foam to quickly suppress the blaze. After knocking back the fire, crews entered the trailer and found a small fire had ignited at the front of the trailer. That fire was also quickly extinguished.Β The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

"What makes this call different is the crews knew that the trailer was carrying an explosive cargo that put many lives in the area in extreme danger," Skinner commented. "They risked their own lives to bring the fire under control in order to prevent the cargo from exploding and creating a larger disaster. I am very proud of the dedication of the men and women in this department and this call is a great example of why."

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