The Linwood Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 4370 arrived at Our Lady of Sorrows Church at around 7:15 a.m. on January 29th in response to a car fire. Shortly after dispatch, Deputy Chief Buzby arrived and verified that the trash truck fire was operational. Chief Walley arrived and took command, and Ladder 5 responded with one firefighter on duty. There was a request for an off-duty staff recall. One off-duty firefighter from Engine 54 and two firefighters from Engine 51 responded. Suppression efforts were complicated by the location of the fire within the truck and below-freezing temperatures.

The Bargaintown Fire Company and the Northfield Fire Department contributed more personnel and station coverage. In about fifty minutes, the fire was put out and under control. No injuries were reported to firefighters or the vehicle operator. Assistance was also provided by the Linwood Department of Public Works.