100 Mile Fire Rescue extinguished a truck fire that threatened 100 Mile Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 19.
The fire began just after 1 p.m. in the bed of one of the trucks currently being used by a roofing company replacing the school's roof. At the time the fire began the truck was parked directly by the school according to Leah Nielsen, a witness at the scene. Nielsen said she and her daughter were in their car waiting to attend an appointment at a nearby business when they first noticed the smoke.
"We noticed a lot of smoke and people jumping off of the school and my daughter said to me I think something is happening over there," Nielsen said. "We looked and we could see flames coming up and we saw the workers pull the truck out from in between the portable and the school to get out of the small area there. The back of the whole truck was on fire."
Nielsen said she was shocked by how brave the roofers were to get the burning vehicle away from the school, noting she believes that action saved the school from catching fire as well. Not long after the vehicle was moved the fire spread to the cab of the truck just as 100 Mile Fire Rescue arrived on the scene. In total two fire trucks and 10 firefighters responded to the scene, including Fire Chief Dave Bissat.
"We responded to a vehicle fire at 100 Mile House Elementary School. Upon arrival one of the roofing company's trucks was fully involved," Bissat said. "We basically knocked it down and protected the school."
Bissat confirmed that the contents of the truck's bed were cast off roofing material which is why the fire burned with black smoke and spread quickly. With the fire largely extinguished by 2 p.m. Monday, Bissat said 100 Mile Fire Rescue would remain on the scene to ensure all the material was extinguished and assist in the initial cleanup. At this time he said the cause of the fire is undetermined.
When asked about the roofers moving the truck, Bissat acknowledged that it helped save the school. However, he expressed frustration that 911 wasn't called earlier, noting had they been able to arrive a few minutes sooner they could have protected the cab of the truck from being engulfed.
"A 911 call would have prevented a lot of damage here today. These guys tried to fight this fire themselves," Bissat said. "Moving this truck did help protect the school a little bit but we could have been here 15 minutes sooner. Unfortunately, they've lost their truck."
Watching 100 Mile Fire Rescue extinguish the blaze so quickly was amazing, Nielsen said. While watching the blaze Nielsen talked to community members whose homes neighbour the school who expressed relief it was contained as quickly as it was.
"We were very concerned for the community when we saw (the fire)," Nielsen noted.
Going forward in an emergency situation Bissat would like to remind the entire community to call 911 right away to help protect lives and property.
"Our guys are paid on call so it takes time for them to get to the hall," Bissat said. "Those extra minutes can save a lot of things."
