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Washington County- On August 10th, Clear Spring Fire was alerted for a Tractor-Trailer Fire on Interstate 70 at 11:01 hours. Washington County Dispatch took reports of a trailer on fire East Bound just prior to Exit 18. Washington County had multiple reports on the blaze. Additional reports came in reporting that the truck was hauling some type of materials used for explosives. Washington County Dispatch upgraded the assignment to a Hazmat Response.

Crews from Clear Spring arrived to find a trailer that had been detached from the truck on fire. With the reports of possible explosives being involved, firefighters staged 400 feet from the trailer. Deputy Chief Mundey of Clear Spring Fire assumed Command of the operation. Fire department remained at a safe distance allowing the product to safely burn off while Interstate 70 remained shut down both directions. Additional departments were called in to stage in the Clear Spring area in case additional help was needed.

Interstate 70 West Bound was able to be re-opened around 12:30 that afternoon once the trailer was done free burning. Hazmat Crews from Washington County Special Operations surveyed the remnants of the trailer while Chief Bentley from Special Operations worked with the Shipping Company to get additional info on the materials that were being hauled while waiting for the arrival of Maryland Department of Environment units.

The materials were confirmed to be explosive in nature. Firefighters remained on the scene in stand-by mode awaiting the arrival of Maryland Department of Environment that afternoon. A majority of crews were able to be released around 14:30 hours after Maryland Department of Environment arrived and surveyed the scene. Clear Spring Fire remained on the scene with Maryland Department of Environment until about 18:30 hours that evening.

Interstate 70 remained closed East Bound till well after midnight that night. Maryland State Roads remained out with the scene while a private contractor was brought in to handle clean up of the materials involved. No injuries were reported during the incident.

Clear Spring Fire CO.4 responded along with Hancock Fire Co.5, Williamsport Fire Co.2, Halfway Fire Co.26, Maugansville Fire Co.13, Washington County Special Operations 20, Clear Spring EMS Co.49, Hancock EMS Co.59, Washington County Emergency Air Unit 25, Rehab Unit 255, State Highway Administration and Maryland Department of Environment. Additional assistance was received from Washington County Sheriff Department, Maryland State Police and County Fire Police. Crews were transferred in from Bedington West Virginia Fire Co.40, Berkley Spring West Virginia Fire Co.1, Antietam Fire Engine 2 and Community Rescue Co.75 to assist in coverage while units were committed on the incident.