Van Fire Shuts Down Thruway
MidTown - July 13, 2002 --- The heat and flames from a fire in a full-size van forced the closing of the New York State Thruway late Saturday afternoon.
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| Smoke could be seen from miles away as Evans Center Engine 1 approached the scene | ||
The New York State Police already had the Thruway shut down at mile marker 450 westbound when first arriving Engine 1 called on location. Their crew of Firefighters Bob Corsi and Bob Zamrok and Captain Tiger Schmittendorf, along with Asst. Chief Charlie Klepfer III stretched two hose lines to attack the fire.
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| North Evans
firefighters assisted Evans Center in knocking down the fire and performing the initial overhaul |
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North Evans Engine 2 was manned at their station and responded along with North Evans District Fire Chief Nick Mecca Jr. to assist Evans Center and feed water to Engine 1. The Thruway remained closed for about 15 minutes while the bulk of the fire was knocked down. The van was parked on the shoulder of the center median and the fire caused the grass to burn for about 50 ft. in both directions into the median.
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| Eden Engine 1 fed water to
Evans Center Engine 1. Eden's crew handled the extensive overhaul - supervised by Chief Paul Laing |
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Magnesium alloy components inside and outside the van gave firefighters a hard time as applying water to them caused them to flare up and spark off. Chief Klepfer requested an engine/tanker from the Eden Fire Department for an additional water supply. Eden's crew handled the bulk of the extensive overhaul required by the van's contents. Over 2,100 gallons of water were required to quell the flames.
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| Firefighters were on location for over an hour mopping up | ||
Evans Center was assisted by the Angola Fire Control Dispatch Center, New York State Police and Pinto's Towing.
Evans Center also responded to two auto accidents later in the evening.
