South Toms River, NJ - On March 16, 2004, around 9:15 PM, the Manitou Park Fire Company, Station 18 was dispatched to a working structure fire at Dover Oil.
Upon arrival of the chief, he notified dispatch that it was not a structure on fire but a working vehicle fire with exposures to a 1,000,000 gallon home heating oil storage tank ten feet away. The vehicle was a tractor trailer with a 6,000 gallon tank attached to it parked in a filling station.
Station 18 had 3 Engines and a Rescue on location. Mutual Aid Companies were Stations 17 (2 Engines), Station 20 (1 Engine), Station 26 (1 Engine) and Station 37 and 61 to stand-by with 1 engine each at Station 17. Station 18 first due used 2 - 1 3/4 hand line and Station 26 laid a 600 feet of 5 inch hose to supply Station 18's engine.
The fire was brought under control in about 10 minutes and minimal damage to the tanker of the tractor and no damage to the storage tank. All mutual aid companies were released soon after.
Station 18 cleared the scene around 10:30 PM. The fire is under investigation Ocean County Fire Marshall Office and no specific cause has been given. It is believed to be an electrical problem inside the truck.
