Firefighters honored for response to Motiva fire

THE QUICK ACTION of firefighters kept the July 18 fire, at a fuel terminal  in the Port of Providence, from spreading beyond the Motiva dock to the nearby storage tanks.  /
THE QUICK ACTION of firefighters kept the July 18 fire, at a fuel terminal in the Port of Providence, from spreading beyond the Motiva dock to the nearby storage tanks. /

PROVIDENCE – The members of the Providence Fire Department yesterday were honored by the U.S. Coast Guard for their “exemplary courage, dedication and leadership” in response to last year’s Motiva fire at the Port of Providence.
The award was presented by Coast Guard Capt. Roy Nash, who was joined by Mayor David N. Cicilline and Active Fire Chief Mark Pare for the ceremony at the city’s Public Safety Complex. It recognizes extraordinary effort in advancing the Coast Guard’s mission and exceptional coordination in matters pertaining to the federal agency’s responsibilities.
“Facing dangerous fire conditions complicated by an industrial environment, severe weather, darkness, and while working from a waterfront pier,” Nash said, “firefighters fought the four-hour battle to suppress and gain control of a major flammable liquid fire with great tenacity and professionalism.
“Faced with towering flames reaching nearly 50 feet above the pier, firemen rapidly, courageously and effectively fought the fire.”
The Coast Guard also praised the department for its preparedness efforts, including its participation in an emergency-response drill at the Port of Providence earlier last year.
The July 18 fire began while a Danish tanker was offloading fuel at the Motiva terminal during a fierce thunderstorm; and 7,000 gallons of gasoline ignited. Lightning was not to blame, investigators have said, but the storm is considered a factor in the blaze, which quickly spread to the Motiva dock.
The “judgment and immediate actions by the first firemen on the scene” were crucial, Nash said.
“I am extremely proud of the men and women of the Fire Department for their brave and courageous efforts during the Motiva fire, and for their efforts every day to protect the residents of Providence,” Cicilline said. “When confronted with a crisis, they acted with speed, precision and courage.”
The mayor also thanked the Providence Police Department, the Providence Emergency Management Agency & Office of Homeland Security, the R.I. State Police and the fire departments of surrounding communities for their coordinated efforts.

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