News

Fire Crews Battle Chemical Spill, Explosion and Heat

Posted: 9:27 AM Jun 27, 2012
Reporter: 10/11 News

Heat Poses Extra Danger to Firefighters- David Jespersen Reports at 10
Crews Battle Fire & Heat- David Jespersen Reports at 6
Fighting Fires and The Heat - David Jespersen is On the Scene at 5
WEB EXTRA: Southeast Rural Fire Chief Describes Truck Explosion

Two pickups are total loss after a fire just southeast of Lincoln Wednesday morning.

According to Southeast Fire and Rescue Chief John Porter, chemicals spilled in a pickup parked at a property located at 10551 South 98th Street. Porter said a propane tank in the back of the truck caught fire and exploded. The fire spread to a nearby truck and it was also destroyed.

Total loss is $18,000.

Porter said firefighters' main concern when they arrived around 10 a.m. was stopping the fire from spreading to a nearby shed which contained several pickups containing more chemicals and propane tanks.

The firefighters worked quickly in the intense heat and the building did not sustain any damage.

The heat was a real danger as well. To be safe, crews choose a safety monitor. That person keeps a close eye on firefighters and pulls them from action every 15 minutes. Paramedics are also on scene to help cool down firefighters and monitor their blood pressure.