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Hay Bale Fire 2

July 12, 2002 - Hay Bales / Field Fire

In the midst of drought like conditions, on a hot July day, the Guardian Hose Company was dispatched to a report of hay bales on fire in a farmer's field north of town. Water supply (or lack thereof) was an issue; a tanker shuttle operation was put in place to supply water for the suppression effort. A neighboring farmer (and Guardian Hose Company member) brought a tractor with a bucket attachment to the scene which proved very useful in both moving the large round hay bales and tearing them apart to facilitate fire extinguishment. Portable foam applicators, along with intensive manual labor, were also used in putting out this fire. Mutual aide was received from many neighboring companies including: Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company (Frederick County Company 13), Graceham Volunteer Fire Company (Frederick County Company 18), Lewistown District Volunteer Fire Company (Frederick County Company 22), Fountaindale Volunteer Fire Company (Adams County Pennsylvania Company 23), and adjoining Carroll County. In addition, sister emergency services organization Thurmont Community Ambulance Service was on the scene for the duration.

 

Intensive manual labor with rakes was needed to put out this fire.

 Intensive manual labor with rakes was needed to put out this fire.
Guardian Hose Engine Tanker 104 drafts from the Fold-a-tank while a tanker from neighboring Carroll County drops a load of water in the tanker shuttle operation.

Guardian Hose Engine Tanker 104 drafts from the Fold-a-tank while a tanker from neighboring Carroll County drops a load of water in the tanker shuttle operation.

Guardian Hose Brush 105 (left), Graceham Brush 185, and Guardian Hose Brush 106 are pictured at this scene. Note the burnt field in the foreground.

Guardian Hose Brush 105 (far left), Graceham Brush 185, and Guardian Hose Brush 106 are pictured at this scene. Note the burnt field in the foreground.

Wearing conventional fire fighting protective equipment ('structural fire fighting gear') is usually not needed on a field fire on a hot July day. Guardian Hose Company member Bobby Myers is seen in the background using a tractor to help move the burning hay bales.

Wearing conventional fire fighting protective equipment ('structural fire fighting gear') is usually not needed on a field fire on a hot July day. Guardian Hose Company member Bobby Myers is seen in the background using a tractor to help move the burning hay bales.

The column of smoke from the burning hay bales was visible for miles.

 The column of smoke from the burning hay bales was visible for miles.
Guardian Hose Company Brush 105 and Rocky Ridge VFC Brush 135 working on the scene among the very smoky conditions.

Guardian Hose Company Brush 105 and Rocky Ridge VFC Brush 135 working on the scene.

 

Photographs courtesy of John Kinnaird.

 
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Last modified: September 19, 2004