June 24, 2005

Air compressor catches fire

       The White River Township Fire Department responded to a report of an air compressor fire at the construction site south of Smith Valley Road on Paddock Road.  Firefighters arrived and found a large Grimmer Schmidt compressor fully engulfed in flames.  Due to the physical location of the construction area, the department could not reach the fire with a fire engine so they called for the 4X4 Grass Rig.  The fire was extinguished within minutes of its arrival.  The construction supervisor stated that the air compressor was very old and made a loud pop before it ignited.  After a preliminary inspection, it appears that the fuel pump malfunctioned and caused the fire.  The compressor was a total loss.  Story submitted by Battalion Chief James Engmark, C-Shift.

           
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