Excerpts from pjstar.com:
A Normal Fire Department pumper was destroyed in a blaze on Interstate 74 in Knox County. Knoxville Fire Protection District Chief Jeff Vandemark said crews were called about 10 a.m. Wednesday to eastbound I-74 near mile marker 59.
Steve Davis/Gatehouse Media Illinois
A firefighter from the Normal was driving the reserve engine from Alexis Fire Equipment back to Normal, followed by another Normal firefighter. The firefighter saw smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and pulled over. They attempted to extinguish the fire while they called 911, but were unsuccessful.
The 2004 engine had framework repairs before going to Alexis to have equipment reinstalled. The pumper was hauled back to Alexis.
thanks Ron
#1 by Daniel Hynd on January 26, 2018 - 1:43 PM
It’s weird how the front of the truck and the rear of the truck seem to be relatively undamaged. Not a huge loss considering it is 14 years old.
#2 by Mike on January 26, 2018 - 8:40 AM
That rig is a pierce. It’s totaled and at least now they don’t need to worry about the frame rusting out.
#3 by CrabbyMilton on January 26, 2018 - 7:49 AM
If that fire started in the rear, it was probably a wheel, brake, or differential issue. Either way, someone has some “splaining” to do.
Is that a SPARTAN chassis?
Perhaps that aluminum was quickly salvaged since FORD needs it for the F150.
#4 by Michael m on January 26, 2018 - 12:14 AM
I wonder if someone at Alexis left something on and if so that would make them liable. That would be interesting if Alexis was liable for the damage. If the fire was caused by human error, then, that is not a good thing!
My guess is it was placed in reserve when they received engine 13 in 2014.
#5 by Michael m on January 26, 2018 - 12:10 AM
Only time will tell what they will get. Maybe a E-One given all the problems Pierce has had. Although I am sure it is nice for their fleet services to have the same engine when they come into the shop. Standardization has to make life easier for the mechanics.
#6 by harry on January 25, 2018 - 9:47 PM
well we can assume they are getting a new one
#7 by Mike C on January 25, 2018 - 4:54 PM
Amazing how all the aluminum just disappeared! This engine is easily a total loss!!! Wonder who will be help liable for it. Sounds like it was on its way back from Alexis when the fire broke out.
#8 by rj on January 25, 2018 - 3:34 PM
Not an engine fire, was something in the rear end. The diff, brakes, exhaust problem or maybe pto left on? Something back there…
#9 by Michael m on January 25, 2018 - 12:44 PM
What the hell happened? I believe this was their engine 15. I was in college when this engine first went into service. I believe they have a 1999 Engine as well that is another reserve.
I wonder if this has anything to do with the issues Pierce has been having, or if this is just a freelance event?