Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has called in a specialist aerial pumper to gain access to a fire in a garbage truck in Sydney's west now.
FRNSW and other emergency services responded to numerous reports that a garbage truck was well alight on the intersection of Gipps St and the Great Western Highway in Claremont Meadows, just before midday.
Quick action of firefighters
The fire ignited in the cabin/engine area of the truck and spread quickly to the rubbish contained in the compactor. The quick action of firefighters prevented the fire in the rubbish compactor from taking hold and causing more damage.
Damage to the driver's compartment and the engine prevented firefighters from being able to operate the truck's hydraulics to gain access to the load.
FRNSW Hazmat crews
Firefighters used a hydraulic tool to break a locking bar on the rear gate of the compactor
Firefighters used a hydraulic tool to break a locking bar on the rear gate of the compactor. A haulage tow truck then lifted the gate, giving firefighters access to the concealed flames.
The fire took approximately two hours to extinguish. FRNSW Hazmat crews monitored the water run-off from the fire and placed booms over the local drainage system, as a precaution.
firefighting operations
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) assisted with the supply of water to the firefighting operations. There were no injuries reported.
Gipps Street was closed for several hours during the fire and subsequent clean-up operations.
