Fire Chief Silcox issues press release on WestRock fire

Fire Department Press Release

Ty Silcox, Fire Chief

Contact: Fire Chief Ty Silcox

City of Fernandina Beach Fire Department

(904) 277 - 7331

May 6, 2016 1:31 p.m.

SEMI-TRAILER FIRE WESTROCK MILL

The Fernandina Beach Fire Department personnel assisted by Nassau County Fire Rescue responded to a semi-trailer fire on Thursday, May 5, 2016, at approximately 8:02 p.m. An emergency call placed to 911 dispatchers alerted them to the fire at 600 North 8th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL at the West Rock mill main gate area.

Three engine and rescue companies were dispatched to the blaze. Upon arrival, fire crews reported heavy black smoke coming from the fully involved semi-trailer. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire which reportedly started in the truck’s brakes before spreading to the tires and box trailer. Explosions that were heard during the incident were in fact the tires of the semi- trailer bursting after catching fire.

No vehicle occupants or mill employees were injured in the fire and no firefighters were injured extinguishing the fire. The semi-trailer was not carrying a load at the time of the fire and was sitting empty just inside the West Rock mill. Two tractor-trailers parked nearby were damaged due to exposure to the intense heat caused by the fire. The fire was reported completely out at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Please refer additional questions regarding the investigation to the Fernandina Beach Fire Department.