FIRE crews had to use environmental protection equipment to recover 200 litres of fuel and hydraulic fluid from a buring tractor in Christchurch yesterday afternoon

Christchurch Fire Station mobilised two crews and a water carrier at 4pm on Tuesday February 23 to extinguish the blazing farm vehicle on Pitt House Lane, which was “well alight” when crews arrived on the scene.

Firefighters used breathing apparatuses and a main jet to put out the fire, the cause of which is yet unknown.

A spokesman from Christchurch Fire Station said: “We were called at approximately 4pm on Tuesday February 23 to the tractor fire in Pitt House Lane. Two crews and a water carrier from Christchurch were initially mobilised.

“On arrival, the tractor was well alight, and crews extinguished the fire using two breathing apparatus wearers and a main jet (large hose). Water supplies were supplemented by the water carrier.

“The tractor suffered significate fire damage, but fortunately there were no injuries.”

Extensive damage to the tractor meant that 100 litres of diesel, 80 litres of hydraulic oil and 20 litres of engine oil leaked from the vehicle onto the track, which was recovered into large drums.

Bournemouth Echo:

The crews used environment agency kits to contain the fuel and hydraulic fluid leak as much as possible to minimise any environmental damage and prevent any of the substances flowing into nearby waterways.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service assets finally left the incident at approximately 6.30pm.

Scene safety was supported by Dorset Police and the incident was handed over to BCP council to make the road safe.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “We were called at 4.07pm on Tuesday February 23, 2021 by the fire service reporting a vehicle fire involving a tractor in Pitt House Lane, Christchurch.

“Officers attended to assist and manage traffic. Recovery for the tractor was arranged and the road was cleared. Officers left the scene at around 6.20pm.”

A spokesperson for BCP Council added: “We can confirm that our duty response officer attended a tractor fire incident Pitt House Lane yesterday afternoon.

“Our officer supported with the immediate clean-up and assisted with closing the road, and reopening it again once it was safe to do so.

“We thank the fire service for their swift response to this incident.”