BNSF News

Gang 0291 Saves the Firefighting Day

2008-08-25

Shovels and backhoes aren’t the first tools you’d think to grab when fighting a fire, but Gang 0291 used this equipment to their advantage Aug. 1, when battling a wildfire at the North Siding Switch at Rogers, Texas, milepost 208.03.

“Their actions prevented what could have been a very destructive fire on BNSF Railway,” said Dennison Krcha, signal foreman.

Around 2 p.m., the gang was working near milepost 208.03 when a train reported a fire at the north end by the switch.  After overhearing the conversation, Krcha said his gang immediately went to fight the fire.

Krcha talked with the dispatcher while gang members took the backhoe to Rogers.  He called the Rogers Fire Department, but the department had only one person to send.

Gang 0291 fought the fire for the next hour with shovels and the backhoe. Krcha said there were about 10 to 15 railroad ties were in the tall grass, and they would have been difficult to put out without the fire department’s help. The local fire department did respond and assist in fire control.

Owen Brady, signal construction supervisor, congratulated the gang for remaining attentive and monitoring its radio to be aware of its surroundings and what was going on around it.

“They went above and beyond and I’m proud of them,” he said. “It reflects well on Fort Worth Signal and the things we do.”

Rickey Rooks, manager of Safety, said the gang plays a key role on the Gulf Division through its willingness to take the extra step to protect transportation assets, employees and citizens.

“Their initiative dramatically increases our ability to provide safe and efficient service to our customers,” he said. “Because of their attitude and work ethic, the Gulf Division is a team effort division.”

Gang 0291 is a traveling gang based in Fort Worth currently working in Galveston.

Pictured from left are Gang 0291 members Kent Bannister, Ed Williams, Dennison Krcha and Andy Bass. They used shovels and a backhoe to battle a wildfire at the North Siding Switch at Rogers, Texas.

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