TRURO — In a rare instance of mutual aid, Truro Firefighters Local 5281 joined forces with Orleans Fire-Rescue to tackle a challenging blaze that erupted near Pleasant Bay in the early hours of Jan. 29.
Truro Fire Tender 484 played a critical role in the firefighting efforts, supplying water to the firegrounds shortly after midnight and continuing to support overhaul crews until midday.
The initial emergency call reported an indeterminate type of fire in the vicinity of Pleasant Bay and Quanset Road.
The remote location and scant details made it difficult for responders to find the fire.
Eventually, they discovered it at the end of Horseshoe Lane, adjacent to Pleasant Bay.
The fire’s difficult access required firefighters to drag several hundred feet of hose through woods and down stairs to the waterfront.
The absence of nearby hydrants necessitated the use of tankers to bring in water for extinguishing the fire.
The fire consumed rolls of compressed coconut fibers, which are used for erosion control.
Measuring 200 feet in length and 25 feet in width, the area presented considerable challenges due to the intensity and depth of the fire within the rolls.
Firefighters dedicated approximately seven hours to fully extinguish the smoldering materials.
The fire’s deeply seated nature within the compressed rolls made the task especially tough.
Officials have determined the cause of the fire to be accidental, stemming from a malfunction in a piece of construction equipment located near the site.
