THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay Fire Rescue was fast on the scene and put out the fire. Thunder Bay Fire & Rescue (TBFR) responded to a report of a “loader on fire” on Hazelwood Dr.
A large plume of smoke could be seen by responding crews from several miles away. The first due pumper officer requested additional pumper units to respond also.
Upon arrival, the initial fire crews encountered the engine compartment of a loader excavator involved with flame and heavy black smoke. The vehicle fire did not threaten adjacent buildings however there were other vehicles nearby that were saved from fire extension. TBFR crews donned self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and quickly deployed a single 45mm attack line with water supplied by their pumper truck. Within minutes of water being applied to the blaze, it was brought safely under control.
A second pumper truck from Station 8 (Mapleward Rd) was required on the scene to assist with water supply to aid in fire suppression.
TBFR firefighters applied medical first aid to a worker on the scene who had attempted to extinguish the blaze but in doing so had suffered smoke inhalation.
EMS was requested to attend the scene to assist firefighters with patient care and to transport the worker to hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
Cause of the blaze was determined later to be due to mechanical/electrical issues within the engine compartment. The vehicle remains on site in the care of the owners.
