South Metro Garbage Truck Fire

Photo Courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue

At 12:38 on March 1st, 2022 South Metro Fire Communications received several 911 callers reported a garbage truck fire along the shoulder of northbound E-470 at the Jordan Rd. off ramp. Upon arrival, South Metro Fire Rescue Battalion Chief 4 reported a fully engulfed engine compartment fire and Tower 45 began fire suppression. With no fire hydrants nearby Engine 42 and Tender 45 were used for water supply. Although the engine compartment fire was quickly extinguished, radiant heat ignited material in the garbage container. The hydraulic system that controlled access to the load was inoperable, so firefighters were unable to reach the burning material from the ground. Because of that, Tower 45’s aerial ladder was used to spray water from above. Northbound E-470 was briefly closed during that operation to keep motorists safe from flying debris, smoke, and runoff. Even after using 7,300 gallons of water the material inside the truck was still smoldering. A heavy wrecker was used to tow the smoldering truck to the waste transfer facility near Arapahoe Road and Jordan Road where the container could be pried open safely. Engine 42, Battalion 4, and law enforcement escorted the truck there in case the fire grew out of control, thankfully it didn’t, and no injuries occurred. The driver reported mechanical problems before the fire started and investigators determined the fire was accidental. Additional information provided by South Metro Fire Rescue

Colorado State Patrol, Parker Police Department & E-470 Public Highway Authority

Photo Courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue

Photo Courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue

Photo Courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue

Photo Courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue

Photo Courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue

Photo Courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue