On Friday evening, just before 7 p.m., the Auburn Fire Department responded to an unexpected blaze at a Shell gas station on the outskirts of Worcester, about 46 miles from Boston. The fire originated in Engine 4, a municipal fire truck that was stationed at a pump for a routine check.
What caused the fire
According to the department, a fuel line on the truck ruptured, allowing gasoline to spill into the engine compartment. The leak ignited quickly, sending flames up the cab and threatening the station’s canopy.
Firefighters’ rapid response
Lieutenant John Miller (name changed for privacy) acted immediately, climbing into the driver’s seat of the burning vehicle and maneuvering it away from the gas pumps and the station’s roof. Flames followed him out of the cab, but his decisive action kept the fire from reaching the fuel dispensers.
The remaining three members of the ladder company grabbed portable fire extinguishers and doused the engine’s flames. They also removed vital equipment, including hoses and the fire‑pole, from the truck to prevent further damage.
Injuries and aftermath
One firefighter sustained a minor burn on his arm while handling the extinguishers. He received on‑site treatment and is expected to make a full recovery. No other injuries were reported, and the gas station sustained only superficial damage to the canopy.
The department praised the crew’s professionalism and quick thinking, noting that the incident could have escalated into a larger explosion if the engine had remained under the station’s roof. “Our firefighters train for these high‑risk scenarios every day,” said Fire Chief Laura Henderson. “Their swift actions protected both the public and our own equipment.”
Community impact
Residents in the Auburn area expressed relief that the fire was contained so quickly. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular equipment inspections and the dedication of local first‑responders who keep neighborhoods safe.
The Auburn Fire Department will conduct a thorough investigation into the fuel‑line failure and will review maintenance protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
