Solid Waste Department Mulcher Likely Total Loss After Fire

Murfreesboro Fire Rescue’s District 7, Engine 5, and Ladder 9 responded to a mulcher on fire at the City of Murfreesboro’s Solid Waste Department located on Florence Road just after 11:00 Monday morning.

According to Battalion Chief Mark McCluskey, the equipment was approximately 50 percent engulfed upon MFRD’s arrival. “We could see the black smoke all the way from Fire Administration [NW Broad Street],” said McCluskey. He attributes the heavy black smoke to the tires that were on fire on the unit.

McCluskey said the hydraulic lines were on fire as well as the mulch and trees inside the machine. “We had to use foam to extinguish the hydraulic fluids and used the aerial to put the wood chips out.”

The mulcher will likely be a total loss, but fortunately no structures were in danger and no injuries were associated with this incident.

Crews are still on scene at this time sifting through the wood chips to make sure there is no chance of a rekindle.

The cause is unknown at this time, but it appears to be accidental.