Photos: Pa. ladder truck catches fire during testing

Smoke began to come from the cab of the Gladwyne tiller during ladder testing

By Bill Carey
FireRescue1

GLADWYNE, Pa. — The Gladwyne Volunteer Fire Company suffered a serious apparatus loss during routine testing.

In a Facebook post, the department stated that Ladder 24, a 2007 KME Predator 100' tractor-drawn aerial, was at the Lower Merion Township training grounds for its annual ladder test.

During testing, the ladder truck began to burn. Firefighters from Belmont Hills Fire Company and Union Fire Association responded to the fire and faced heavy smoke coming from the cab of the ladder truck.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Lower Merion Fire Department Fire Marshals.

There were no reported injuries.

The department stated that ladder trucks from neighboring fire companies will be used when needed and that they are exploring options for a temporary ladder truck while working on long-term plans.