At 1429 hours, Tanker 23 was alerted to assist the Minquas Fire Company of Newport, Delaware, on a large trash and mulch pile fire in the 100 Block of Water Street.
First arriving crews arrived to find a massive multi-story mulch pile and an excavator involved. Firefighters braved sub-freezing temperatures and 50+ mph wind gusts.
While Tanker 23 was on location, crews shuttled 5 loads of water (17,500 gallons) supplying Belvedere's Squad 30 which in turn supplied one of the two ladder trucks operating on the pile and machinery.
Modena Fire Company was also present due to being the overnight cover for the Five Points Fire Company and was detailed to the tanker fill site for the duration of the incident. Chester County Tankers 22 and 24 were also requested to assist with water shuttle operations.
After 4 long hours, Tanker 23 was cleared from the scene at 1845 hours and returned back to Avondale.
Units:
Tanker
Mutual Aid:
22 (West Grove), 24 (Kennett), 37 (Modena), N16 (Elsmere), N17(Five Points), N18(GoodWill), N19(Hockessin), N21(Mill Creek), N22 (Minquadale), N23 (Minquas), N25 (Talleyville), N33 (DE Air Guard)
Squad 37 crew filling Tanker 23
View of one of the ladder pipes extinguishing the excavator
