On Thursday August 20th just before 5:30pm the West Whiteland Fire Company was dispatched to the 300blk of Commerce Dr in their first due local for a reported vehicle on fire involving a tanker truck. Initial reports were of a tanker truck on fire approx. 5 feet away from the building.

Due to the reported contents of the tanker the incident was upgraded to a Hazmat which added the Chester County Hazmat Team and Chief 6 added full company 47 (Lionville) to the call to assist. Chief 6 arrived on scene and confirmed a tanker on fire in close proximity to the building. Crews began cooling the tank from a distance while they worked with the hazmat team to form a plan for extinguishing the tanker.

Due to the nature of the call and the odds they would be on scene for an extended period of time East Brandywine Fire Company along with an Engine from Good Will Fire Company in West Chester were dispatched to cover West Whiteland Fire Company. While Engine 49-2 was enroute to their station they were notified to respond directly to the scene to assist with manpower.

Luckily it was determined that the fire was contained to the undercarriage of the tanker and the tank was still intact with none of the chemical leaking out. Crews were able to at that time stretch a line and fully extinguish the flames.

The crew from Engine 49-2 assisted with decon of the firefighters that were in the immediate area of the fire and assisted in clean up at the scene. Companies were on scene for approx. 3 hours.

Great job by Chief 6 and the members of West Whiteland, Lionville and the Chester County Hazmat Unit on controlling a potentially hazardous situation.