At 7:43 a.m., Canton Fire, Canton Rescue, and Car 4 were dispatched to a reported car fire threatening other vehicles at Banford Elementary School, located at 99 State Street. Past Chief Bob Crowe (County Car 3) arrived within 2 minutes and confirmed a working car fire with exposure vehicles on both sides. School faculty and staff were moving other vehicles out of the way before the arrival of fire apparatus to prevent extension and potential damage. Keys were obtained for the two vehicles immediately adjacent to the fire vehicle and Past Chief Crowe, along with County Car 9 (Mark Basford), were able to move them with only minor heat damage to the cars. Chiefs McGregor (4-4) and Johnson (4-2) arrived and were able to knock the fire back with extinguishers while the vehicles were being moved. Engine 6 arrived at 7:49 am and the crew stretched a line and extinguished the fire quickly. Overhaul was performed and the cars were removed by Johnson Towing. All personnel were back in service at 8:34 am. There were no injuries. This fire scene was especially challenging as morning drop off at the Banford School was under way, with parents dropping off their children in the parking lot where the fire occurred. School staff responded professionally and swiftly to redirect the drop off line to a different location and ensured the safety of both those being dropped off and the walkers. The fire department would like to commend the staff for their swift response to the emergency.
