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At 0400 on Monday November 9, 2009 the Fairfield Fire Department responded to a reported tanker fire on I-95 in Fairfield. The call was received from a passerby who reported fire coming from the rear wheels of a tank truck. Engines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Ladder 2, Rescue 1 and Car 3 responded. E-4 was first unit on scene and reported heavy fire coming from the rear tires of a tanker truck. The truck was labeled with a “flammable placard” (#1230) reported to be carrying in excess of 6800 gallons of Methanol, a highly flammable liquid.
Fairfield firefighters initiated an immediate fire attack to extinguish the fire and protect the exposed tank. Large hose streams were used to cool and protect the tank and its hazardous cargo. The fire confined to the rear tires and axle was quickly brought under control. Protective booms and dykes were set up by firefighters to minimize environmental impact I-95 remains closed northbound in the area of the Exit 19 NB entrance ramp.
Evacuation of Residents: According to the Emergency Management an emergency evacuation center was opened in the Roger Ludlow High School cafeteria. The evacuation center will remain open until 1030 AM. The Fairfield Emergency Reverse 911 system was used to notify residents in the area of Kings Drive that a precautionary evacuation was required. Reverse 911 was utilized to notify over 80 homes. Fairfield Police coordinated the evacuation. School lunch shifts at Fairfield Ludlow HS will not be affected.
Regional foam trailers were dispatched to the scene. The CT DEP and the Fairfield County Haz Mat Team also responded. Fire Units from Bridgeport and Westport provided mutual aid standby coverage during the incident.
I-95 remains closed at this time. CT Tank is offloading residual product from the affected container. Fairfield Fire Units under the command of A/C Scott Bisson remain on scene providing standby coverage during the offload procedure.
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