MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – A firefighter was injured after a garbage truck tire blew out while crews were checking the vehicle following a commercial vehicle fire in Montgomery County on Thursday, according to Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 1.
The incident happened after Montgomery County ESD 1 responded to a reported commercial vehicle fire involving a garbage truck.
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When Engine 91 arrived, the garbage truck’s driver had already extinguished the fire using an onboard fire extinguisher, officials said.
As firefighters conducted a post-fire assessment and used a thermal imaging camera to check for lingering hot spots, one of the truck’s inside front dual tires suddenly blew out.
According to the department, the blowout sent debris flying from beneath the vehicle, striking one firefighter in the left leg and midsection.
The firefighter was evaluated at the scene before being transported to HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe in stable condition for further evaluation.
Officials said the firefighter remains in stable condition, is in good spirits and is already up and walking.
“We are extremely grateful that our firefighter’s injuries were not more serious and that they are doing well,” Fire Chief Jason Oliphant said in a statement. “Incidents like this remind us that even after a fire has been extinguished, unexpected hazards can still exist.”
Oliphant said firefighters train for situations like these every day, but acknowledged the inherent risks that come with serving the community.
“We are proud of the professionalism displayed by our crews and thankful for the quick actions of everyone involved in providing immediate medical care,” Oliphant said. “We appreciate the outpouring of support from our community and ask that you continue to keep our firefighter and his family in your thoughts as he recovers.”
The department said no additional information about the firefighter will be released out of respect for their privacy.
Officials also reminded the public that hazards can remain even after a fire has been extinguished, making post-fire operations an important and sometimes dangerous part of the job.