BUFFALO, PENNSYLVANIA — Firefighters from multiple departments responded to a fully involved overturned tractor-trailer fire on a southbound interstate entrance ramp, where the cargo included electric wheelchairs powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department said it assisted Antioch Volunteer Fire Department and several mutual aid departments at the southbound entrance ramp near the 106-mile marker.
Lithium-Ion Batteries Made Fire Difficult to Extinguish
According to Buffalo VFD, the overturned tractor-trailer was carrying electric wheelchairs with lithium-ion batteries.
Firefighters said the batteries were very difficult to extinguish.
Crews used air packs, foam, dump tanks, and a cascade system from fire trucks during the firefighting operation.
Tanker Hauled 21,000 Gallons of Water
Buffalo VFD said its 3,000-gallon tanker alone hauled 21,000 gallons of water to help battle the fire.
MAG Enterprises brought a track loader to assist at the scene, and Patterson’s Wrecker Service brought a 50-ton rotator to move the wreckage.
Once the wreckage was moved, crews were able to position a 2.5-inch Blitzfire nozzle on key areas of the fire.
“Finally the fire went out,” Buffalo VFD said.
EMS and Hazmat Support Assisted
Emergency medical services and emergency management personnel assisted with hazmat control and firefighter rehab.
Buffalo VFD said all agencies worked together to keep the scene safe.
“All entities worked well together to ensure everyone was safe,” the department said.
No injuries were immediately reported in the department’s post.
No additional details about what caused the tractor-trailer to overturn or catch fire were immediately released.
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