On Sunday, August 31st, 2014 Engine 44-5 was dispatched at 1212 to assist the Cochranville Fire Company for a reported silo fire on Gum Tree Road in Highland Township. Engine 44-5 responded at 1217. Deputy 44 responded direct to the scene and arrived soon after.

Cochranville Assistant Chief Harris arrived at 1222 and established "Gum Tree Command" and confirmed a working fire inside of the 68 foot silo. The property owners stated the silo was half full of 5-year-old silage. Firefighters worked to evaluate the situation and determine the best and safest course of action to approach the incident.

Silo fires are notoriously known to be very dangerous and unpredictable, therefore extra measures including establishing a "collapse zone" to keep everyone away from the structure were taken. The Chester County 911 Center contacted a silo fire expert who is based in Berks County and requested his assistance for this incident.

All apparatus and members staged while awaiting the arrival of the specialist. Upon his arrival, a survey of the scene was conducted and through discussion with the Incident Commander, it was determined there was no safe way to extinguish the fire, so the fire was left to burn and the scene was turned back to the property owner to monitor.

Engine 44-5 cleared the scene 1451.

Thanks to CochranvilleFire.com for the photos.