SOUTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP EXPLOSION
02/01/2005

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February 1st, 2005, 0633:
 
South Whitehall Twp. (Lehigh County, PA) firefighters were dispatched to an explosion of a gas line pump station this date.  Initial units on the scene encountered a large volume of fire at the source with a noticeable smoke column covering the Northeast area of Lehigh County and the western end of Allentown City.
 
EPA and PEMA were quickly summoned by Incident Commander, Dennis  Smith, Chief, Greenawalds Fire Dept.  Orders were issued immediately to evacuate all residents of the immediate area. 
 
It was obvious from the outset that attempting to extinguish the fire would be futile and the decision was made to take a defensive posture until notified otherwise.  Mobile Pipeline officials recommend maintaining a minimum 100 yard safety zone from the base of the fire.  All fire units were then repositioned accordingly.
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The morning sun reflecting the from the underside of the smoke column
A close-up of the fire base
Lt. Melissa Millhouse, Cetronia Fire and Chris Mariner, Woodlawn Fire sharing a quiet moment
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CLICK HERE TO SEE CLOSE UP VIEW
CLICK HERE TO SEE CLOSE UP VIEW
Woodlawn Firefighters line up prior to relocating
Incident Commander Dennis Smith at Command
A lonely Engine 1112, Greenawalds stands fire watch as the fuel has been reduced in this aerial image