Unusual Vehicle Fire in Forestville

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

Just after 1:30 pm today Prince George’s County Firefighters responded to an unusual vehicle fire. Firefighters from the Ritchie Fire Station #837 responded to a reported vehicle fire at a construction company storage yard in the 8700 block of Westphalia Road in Forestville. Upon arrival they advised they had a large piece of machinery well involved and requested an additional engine company to assist with extinguishment. A “milling truck” used by road crews to grind up asphalt roadways was being maneuvered inside the storage lot when for whatever reasons it tipped over onto its side. The operator escaped safely however, diesel fuel spilled onto the engine compartment and ignited a fire. It required about 30 minutes to extinguish the fire. A hazardous materials team was requested to assist in the containment and cleanup of about 40 gallons of diesel fuel that had spilled.


A portion of Westphalia Road was closed to traffic as firefighters hose lines were stretched across the roadway.

The cause of the fire will remain under investigation.  Fire loss is estimated $200,000.  No injuries were reported.

The burned remains of a milling truck. (PGFD PHOTO)

Comments