Just after 2:00 PM on Wednesday, a Chapel Hill Fire Department member discovered a large trash fire with an RV in danger. After advising dispatch of the flames, a box alarm was dispatched, sending Chapel Hill Fire, Jackson Heights Fire, and Winona Fire to the scene.
Upon arrival, fire apparatus were strategically staged in the narrow driveway to get hose lines to the blaze. Firefighters gained entry into the RV, checking for further extensions from the interior, while others worked to knock down the flames with both foam and water.
A brush fire originating from the central trash pile had spread into a nearby wood line adding more potential exposures for crews on scene to battle. Smith County ESD2 brought its own “Plow 1” to the scene to create a plow line around the fire, acting as a barrier from other brush. Plow 1 did the heavy lifting, pushing over trees, and moving trash and debris away from the moving fire. Firefighters in wildland gear used hand tools to aid in the critical work done by Plow 1.
The trash pile consisted of different objects, a large portion being vehicle tires. Smith County Firefighters gained control of the fire after about an hour. The smoke from the fire could be seen all over Tyler, grabbing the attention of many. A Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy from the environmental division, Deputies from the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office, Precinct 4 Constables, and UT EMS also responded to the scene.