June 19, 2023 - Until Saturday, the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department had not had a single call for the week of June 11th through 17th. The call received Saturday evening however, would prove to be more than enough to make up for the week’s lack of call volume. Here’s a description of what transpired.
Saturday at 3:13pm the JVFD was called to aid Center FD with a fire at the Portacool manufacturing plant on FM 2468. Joaquin joined several other departments from Shelby County and surrounding areas that were responding to the call. The tower of smoke rising from the facility could be seen from miles away.
Upon arriving, the Joaquin VFD positioned its apparatus at the back of the plant near the truck bays and ran an attack line into one of the few buildings still standing. Firefighters donned full bunker gear and air packs to go inside to prevent this building from succumbing to the flames.
With the temperature outside being in excess of 100 degrees it did not take long for firefighters to become exhausted and need to take a break to cool down. Thankfully, EMS and good samaritans were on scene to provide water and cooling towels as needed.
At last count there were 35+ apparatus and 80+ personnel on scene to fight this fire. By around 9:00pm most departments that were there for mutual aid were able to pack up their equipment and clear the scene. Joaquin VFD pulled back into their station at about 10:30pm.
Events of this magnitude do not happen often, especially in this area. Fortunately, no one was inside the facility when the fire broke out. The Joaquin VFD sends their thoughts and prayers to all of the people whose lives will be effected as a result of this fire.
With that, this edition of the report will come to a close. The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department hopes everyone has a great and safe week going forward.
Related article:
Firefighters Working to Extinguish Portacool Fire; Statement from Company (Updated)
