FAIRFIELD, CT, January 31, 2015: On Saturday morning at 10:15 AM the Fairfield Emergency Communications Center received a call reporting a trailer truck full of garbage on fire at the Transfer Station at 530 One Rod Highway. Fairfield Fire Department Engine 1, Engine 3, Engine 4, Ladders 1, and Car 3 responded and arrived on scene at approximately 10:22 AM, finding very heavy smoke and flames coming from the rear and side of a trailer truck that contained garbage.
Fire personnel immediately began an aggressive attack on the fire. Water supply became a significant challenge as the first two fire hydrants that the department attempted to use were frozen and unusable, requiring the companies to located a third hydrant that was operable. Assistant Chief Schuyler Sherwood, who was the incident commander, noted, “The severe cold made extinguishing this fire very challenging as some of the equipment was freezing and the water from the fire created extremely icy operating conditions."
Though this incident occurred at the Transfer Station, the fire department reminds homeowners that it is critical that you make sure the hydrant nearest your home is clear of snow, especially more snow is expected over the coming days.