THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Platoon Chief John Kaplanis reports that just after 09:00 AM today, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue responded to a report of a large loader on fire near the main building at Resolute Saw Mill.
Upon arrival, the initial crews encountered a log loader fully involved in fire approximately 14 meters from the main part of the Saw Mill building. Resolute staff reported the operator of the vehicle was uninjured and was able to self-evacuate from the loader before the fire grew out of control.
Firefighters immediately began to deploy multiple 45mm hand lines to conduct an attack on the fire, preventing it from spreading to the adjacent structure and a large wood supply also located nearby.
Due to the large volume of fuel and hydraulic fluid in the vehicle, the fire was difficult to extinguish. With additional manpower on the scene, TBFR was able to eventually extinguish this difficult blaze by utilizing a foam extinguishing agent.
TBFR responded to this incident with three pumper rescue trucks and a command vehicle. The cause of the fire is believed to be due to a mechanical overheating issue in the engine compartment of the loader. Damage to the loader was extensive.
