FORNEY, Texas — The Kaufman County Fire Marshal’s Office commended the Forney Fire Department for actions taken at an overturned propane tanker fire last month.
FORNEY, Texas — The Kaufman County Fire Marshal’s Office commended the Forney Fire Department for actions taken at an overturned propane tanker fire last month.
In a letter to Forney Fire Department Chief Rick Townsend, Fire Marshal Randy Richards commended the responding firefighters for their actions stating, “I was extremely impressed by the actions of the responding Forney firefighters and command staff. It was “textbook perfect.”
Richards stated he began developing a mental picture of a catastrophe while en route to the scene based on first responder reports and dispatchers.
A propane tanker truck was traveling westbound on Farm-to-Market (FM) 2932 when two of its wheels went off the right shoulder. The driver was able to get back onto the road but over-corrected, according to police, resulting in the tanker overturning several times before coming to a rest on its side and catching on fire.“This incident had a strong potential to become a disaster for the area residents, but due to the actions of the Forney firefighters, a local disaster was avoided,” stated Richards.
“This incident had a strong potential to become a disaster for the area residents, but due to the actions of the Forney firefighters, a local disaster was avoided,” he stated.
“It is quite obvious that your firefighters are in great physical condition, they are well trained, and their swift actions show that they are confident in their training,” stated Richards.
Richards' complete letter:
On June 22, 2015 at approximately 2:35 pm, Kaufman County Dispatch Center notified the Kaufman County Fire Marshal’s Office and Kaufman Sheriff’s Office to a call described as “Large truck flipped over, driver still inside, truck is on fire”. Dispatch advised that Forney Fire Department had been notified as well.
First arriving law enforcement officers stated that it was a bobtail propane truck had rolled over on its side, the rear of the truck was on fire, and the driver had exited the vehicle. Officers also stated that the driver had head injuries and needed an ambulance.
While en route, I was developing a mental picture of the scene as I heard more information being broadcast over the radio. Having been an instructor for 25 years on these type incidents, I was basically going through my mind on what actions, safety considerations, and tactics needed to be performed.
When I arrived on scene, I was extremely impressed by the actions of the responding Forney firefighters and command staff. It was “textbook perfect”. The Forney FD engine had arrived, staged their apparatus properly, deployed a 2 ½” attack line to cool the vapor space of the tank, and deployed a 5” supply line to a nearby hydrant. All of this was done before the tank water was depleted. The fire was unintentionally extinguished during tank cooling, and the firefighters immediately deployed a master stream in a position to not only cool the tank, but to also disperse the propane vapors.
The driver of the propane truck was tended to and placed in a police vehicle, awaiting the arrival of EMS.
It is quite obvious that your firefighters are in great physical condition, they are well trained, and their swift actions show that they are confident in their training.
I examined the truck and spoke with a propane company representative after he arrived and stopped the leak. When the truck rolled over, the ¼” pipe behind a pressure gauge on the rear of the truck was damaged. This allowed liquid propane to escape. Also, the valves on the metering station had been thrown open during the rollover. This allowed propane vapor to escape through the fill hose. There was obvious flame impingement on the propane tank.
This incident had a strong potential to become a disaster for the area residents, but due to the actions of the Forney firefighters, a local disaster was avoided.
I commend the firefighters on their actions and their confidence. And, I commend you sir, for implementing a program that not only selects excellent personnel, but also for implementing a great training program and providing all the “tools of the trade” to allow your firefighters to accomplish their mission effectively and in a safe manner.
I apologize for a lengthy letter, but I wanted to take the time to let you, and your firefighters, know that I am very proud of the Forney Fire Department and its members. Please let your firefighters know that I appreciate what they do, and their hard work did not go un-noticed.
JOB WELL DONE.
