At around 1230 on August 31, 2014 the Modena Fire Company was dispatched for full company to Gum Tree Road in Highland Township to assist 27 on a silo fire.

Initial reports to responding first alarm units was that the caller was reporting smoke coming from the silo doors.

Assistant 27 arrived on scene confirming a working fire in the 68' high silo.

Engine 37-2 and 3 made the response and once on scene crews made their way up the drive and stood by awaiting orders from command.

A collapse zone was established around the silo as it was noticed that the walls of the silo were starting to show signs of cracking from the heat inside.

Contact was made with a silo fire specialist from Berks County at which time, a rep made the response to the scene.

While awaiting the arrival of the rep, Tower 24 arrived scene to assist with making access to the top of the silo in order to remove the roof covering over the unloader portion of the silo under the direction of the silo rep.

At this point both 37 engine were released from the scene, Ambulance 37-1 remained on scene assisting with further rehab as well as fire police with traffic control.

Once the rep arrived on scene, he met with command. After a lengthy survey of the situation it was determined that there was no way to safely extinguish the blaze.

All unit then cleared the scene at 1543.

Thank you to the Wagontown Fire Company and Good Fellowship Ambulance for standing by at our station during this incident.