Stratton, local firefighters respond to tanker truck fire

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Catharine Schmidt
  • 109th Airlift Wing
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. --  Stratton Air National Guard Base firefighters were among local emergency crews that responded to a nearby tanker truck fire in Glenville on Oct. 17.

According to a local news report, emergency crews from across the area responded to the incident shortly after 1 p.m., when a truck being loaded with a mix of kerosene and asphalt caught fire and exploded.

Within three minutes of receiving the call, the Stratton Fire Department was on scene.

"The tanker truck was fully involved in flames and sitting beneath the 20,000 gallon tanks," said Scott Pike, Assistant Chief of Operations, Stratton Air National Guard Base Fire Department. "There were three injured personnel from the facility that were being rescued from the area. The Stratton Fire Department immediately began fire suppression on the tank truck and all involved exposures. The fire was knocked down within minutes, and a continuous cooling operation of the truck and tanks continued due to the risk of heated gases existing in the tanks which could cause them to explode. This was being accomplished by the Scotia, Thomas Corners and Stratton Air National Guard Fire Departments."

The Stratton Fire Department was on scene for about 90 minutes. Pike said the Stratton Fire Department worked side by side with the local fire departments.

"It was noted that the fast response and actions taken by the Stratton Fire Department played a major role in preventing this incident from becoming rapidly out of control," Pike said. "The personnel that responded did an outstanding job."

The firefighters who responded from Stratton were Station Captain John Saupp and firefighters Kevin Sarsick, Wayne Handford, Adam DeRepentigny and Lloyd Hale.

"This emergency response effort demonstrates the close relationship between community and Stratton Air National Guard personnel where mutual aid is a shared responsibility for the benefit of all," said Col. Jeffrey Hedges, 109th Mission Support Group commander. "Our local response teams work hand-in-hand to ensure the best possible results in such crises. It's a testimony to strong relationships and common goals."