Southern Tier Firefighters Train for Ethanol Fires

Motorists passing by the fire training field in Broome County recently were witness to some very large, and potentially, alarming flames.

The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control staged a training session September 26 dealing with the not-so-frequent incidents of Ethanol fires.

Propane substituted for Ethanol in the simulation of a leaking tanker truck that had caught fire.

Binghamton fire officials said with more and more Ethanol and other fuel transporters moving through on major roadways in the Southern Tier, it's important to have the experience of actively fighting the liquid-fueled fires that flow instead of remaining stationary.

Officials say the drill also helped to simulate planning for the evacuation of residents around the potentially explosive situation.

In addition to firefighters, hazardous materials crews also participated in the training.