During the early morning hours (approximately 0530) of Monday, December 28, 2009, the company was dispatched to a report of a tour bus on fire on Interstate 70 near the 68 mile marker. Engine Tanker 14, Ambulance 18 and Chief 1 responded to the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 just west of the Mount Airy exit where they encountered a large tour bus fully involved in fire. Engine Tanker 14 was first to arrive on the scene followed closely by Frederick Chief 15 set up command. The bus was occupied only by the driver who had exited the vehicle after pulling it to the shoulder. Engine Tanker 14 arrived right behind Chief 15 and blocked traffic while deploying a handline to begin extinguishment of the fire. Frederick Rescue Engine 153 arrived shortly thereafter and positioned on the opposite side of the bus and deployed a second attack line to help with extinguishment.
At the time of the fire, winds were heavy and accelerated the fire throughout the bus. Thick black smoke engulfed firefighters and traffic on the interstate. Due to the heavy fire and wind conditions, a 3" blitz attack line was deployed by the crew of Engine Tanker 14 to knock down the fire. This put a quick knock down on the fire and crews began opening up the side of the bus and engine compartment to complete extinguishment. Command requested 2 additional tankers to supply water to units operating on the scene. The crews performed overhaul and mop up activities for approximately 30-40 minutes before clearing and partially reopening the road. The cause of the fire was undetermined.
