Firefighters from Virginia and North Carolina responded to a silo fire at Ten Oaks LLC in Stuart on July 5, containing the blaze in about two hours despite extreme heat.
Patrick Springs Volunteer Fire Department Deputy Chief Clint Weidhaas said a maintenance crew was testing newly installed equipment when workers noticed smoke coming from the top of the dust supply silo for the boiler.
“During the operation, they noticed smoke coming from the top of the dust supply silo for the boiler. This has happened before, about a year ago. When they saw the smoke, they were like, ‘Crap, it’s on fire again. Call 911,’” he said.
Patrick Springs and Stuart volunteer fire departments were initially dispatched.
When he arrived at the scene, Weidhaas said heavy smoke was coming from the top of the silo, prompting him to request additional manpower from the Woolwine and CCDF volunteer fire departments, as well as the North East Stokes and Lawsonville volunteer fire departments in North Carolina.
Weidhaas estimated about 10 firefighters responded from the two North Carolina departments. Stuart sent six firefighters, Patrick Springs nine, Woolwine six and CCDF two.
JEB Stuart Volunteer Rescue Squad and Stuart Community Hospital also responded with ambulances to provide rehabilitation for firefighters working in the extreme heat.
“We were probably able to work for 15 to 20 minutes, and then guys were having to switch out because it was so hot,” Weidhaas said. “The hot weather is extremely taxing on firefighters during this time period because of all the gear we’re wearing. It’s just awful.”
