BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Quick thinking kept a truck fire from becoming much worse, said Don Herbert, staff lieutenant with Independence Fire Department’s Technical Services Unit.
“The big danger was the location of the truck fire near the fuel pumps, and the unknown contents of the garbage truck,” Herbert said about the incident at the Citgo gas station in the 6500 block of Dixie Highway, Nov. 10.
The driver, a 50-year-old Waterford Township man, had just begun fueling his truck when he heard a “pop” and noticed the fire on the driver’s side of the truck, Herbert said.
“He made an attempt to utilize the fire extinguisher, but was unable to get to it due to the location of the flames,” he said. “He ran into the store, where his partner was, as well as the attendant. He instructed the attendant to shut off the pumps with the emergency button, and then had them evacuate the store.”
“I heard a loud pop, and some white smoke coming from the truck. I thought something was happening with it,” said Brad Gordinier, the driver’s partner. “There was a flash and then thick black smoke and flames started coming out from underneath. There was nothing we could do. I have a fire extinguisher but that wasn’t going to do it.”
Kerry Bush was at the Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club about a mile away when he heard a “kaboom.”
“It was pretty loud,” Bush said. “I tried driving down Dixie Highway and got stuck in the traffic.”
The gas station attendant followed his training, said the store owner, who asked not to be identified.
“I tell them when something happens, push down the emergency button, call the fire department and police, and if there’s a danger, get out,” the owner said. “That’s what he did. I couldn’t have done it better. He did a great job.”
ITFD sent three fire engines, a ladder truck, ambulance, and three administrative vehicles to the scene, Herbert said.
“We also had a substantial response from our off-duty full time personnel and part-time paid personnel. Brandon and Waterford Regional also responded for manpower in case we needed it,” he said. “The fuel pumps have a master shut off inside the fuel station store or kiosk. Once this is activated, the risk is lowered substantially but not eliminated entirely.”
Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies responded to control the scene, clear pedestrians, and divert traffic. There were no reported injuries.
ITFD requested the Oakland County Hazmat Team to assist them with the cleanup. The vehicle fire was ruled accidental that was caused by a mechanical defect in the garbage truck, which was owned by TNR Disposal of Clarkston.
The call was dispatched at 3:42 p.m. and the first fire engine arrived within three minutes and was applying water within one minute after arrival, Herbert said.
“Initial on-scene manpower was minimal due to two ambulances clearing from Pontiac hospitals, but there was no delay in applying water. Sufficient personnel were on scene within five minutes,” he said.
The fire was completely extinguished within 30 minutes. Storm drains were dammed with dirt until an environmental clean up company arrived to remove the water runoff, which contained minimal unburned fuel. Crews remained on scene, supervising the investigation and environmental clean-up until 8:14 p.m., he said
“The driver of the garbage truck was quick-thinking and his actions were instrumental in the incident being much less dangerous than it could have been,” Herbert said.
Independence Township Treasurer Paul Brown posted a message on social media, thanking the ITFD.
“I noticed a few posts questioning response time and fire fighter numbers on scene. What many would not have known is that there were two medical calls that occurred in the 60 minutes prior to the fire and yet, they still got the job done and it was not due to luck,” Brown said. “The planning that occurs every time an alarm rings is truly amazing. As soon as a call comes in, they are not only responding to that call, but they are preparing for the next call that might come in by positioning resources and contacting off duty staff to be prepared.”