WESTLOCK – No injuries were reported after a pickup truck burned to the ground south of town last Tuesday afternoon.
Just after 2 p.m., Feb. 28, Westlock County firefighters from the Busby and Pickardville stations were called to Highway 44 and Range Road 582 where a truck hauling a trailer was fully engulfed in flames.
“The owner made attempts to extinguish it, but it was too big at that time to put out. The owner had disconnected the trailer (that contained contractor tools) and it was moved with a tow rope away from the truck to save the contents,” said county fire chief John Biro.
Although initially small and directly behind the firewall, the fire grew quickly and the driver was unable to get it out with an extinguisher, said Biro.
“Two to three aerosol cans popped off and some magnesium was found in the steering column, but no other significant hazards were noted,” he said, while reminding citizens to keep safety in mind when coming on an emergency situation and to use an alternate route.
“Recognize a potentially hazardous scene and do not drive by a fully-involved vehicle as there could be unknown hazards (that could) cause damage or injury to you and your vehicle,” he said, noting visibility at the time of the blaze was obstructed due to the heavy smoke.
