By Alex Lloyd Gross
A major fire that ripped through an industrial building in Pumstead taxed emergency resources to the limit, and destroyed two businesses. No one was seriously injured. The fire which was reported at the Custom Particle Company on Stump Road quickly grew. As firefighters were forced to evacuate the building, extra manpower was called in.
Daytime staffing problems affected manpower response. Numerous fire companies were "special called" . As water ponds were depleted, multiple tanker trucks were brought in. Some were single axle trucks, other were huge tractor trailers, resembling gasoline tankers, retrofitted to carry water. Tankers from Bucks, Chester, Montgomery Twps. as well as New Jersey were brought to the scene.
Tankers will set up portable pools of water, so that pumpers can use them as a water supply. Fire hydrants in that area were few and far between. With so many tankers , roads had to be closed for several miles in each direction. This gives the trucks room to set up and get into position. All available Fire Police from Bucks County were requested, to divert traffic.
Firefighters on scene had to wear breathing apparatus to protect themselves against toxic smoke. Chemicals were stored in the buildings as well, and firefighters feared they could be hazardous. Thick plumes of smoke could be seen for miles.
Firefighters remained on scene through out the night, keeping an eye on hot spots.
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