At 5:39 PM, Mutual Aid Box 9-9 was sounded for a Vehicle Fire in the area of Good Intent Rd and Houck Rd in Frederick County. Station 8 and PM 89 were dispatched to assist Frederick County Station 9. Upon response, Frederick County Dispatchers advised that the vehicle was located in a field near the intersection. Engine 81 and Chief 8-1(M. Cartwright) arrived on location at the same time, about 1/2 a mile west of the intersection, on Good Intent Rd, to find that the vehicle was actually a 'New Holland' combine on fire in the middle of the field.
Engine 81 proceeded off-road as Chief 8-1 established 'Good Intent' Command. Firefighters quickly placed an 1 3/4" preconnect in-service to extinguish the flames. Rescue Squad 8, Frederick E/T-94, Brush 95 and Utility 9, also came back into the field to assist with manpower and water. Firefighters were able to control the fire within a few minutes. Overhaul took some time, due to the complexity of the machinery. The fire burned about 80% of the machine.
The combine was being used to picking up soy beans when the fire broke out. The exact cause of the fire is unknown, however, it is believed to have started as a result of a build-up of materials around hot motor parts. The combine was a total loss. Units cleared the scene at 6:40 PM.
Units:
E-81, E/T-82, RS-8, PM-89, Chief 8-1, EMS 8
Mutual Aid:
Fred. Co. E/T-94, B-95, Ut-9(New Midway)
Combine fire on Good Intent Rd in Frederick County. Photo: FF B. Hooper
Firefighters conduct overhaul on Combine fire. Photo: FF B. Hooper
Firefighter from Company 9, extinguishing soy bean materials in holding bin. Photo: FF B. Hooper
Upon arrival, fire had engulfed the most of the machine, from the tires to the cab. Photo: FF B. Hooper
Company 9 firefighter overhauling the holding bin. Photo: FF B. Hooper
The motor was completely burned up. The fuel tank was full (diesel) and did not become involved. Photo: FF B. Hooper
Firefighters had to dismantle some of the machine to access hidden fires. Photo: FF B. Hooper
