Story Created:
May 22, 2008 at 11:23 AM CDT
Story Updated:
May 22, 2008 at 6:14 PM CDT
DELAWARE COUNTY - Just before 11:00 a.m. Thursday, flames broke out at Allied Waste Services between the towns of Delaware and Manchester.
The thick, black smoke lingered into the evening in Delaware County. There's nothing left of Allied Waste. The fire's bark was as bad as it's bite. Our crew could see the smoke 30 miles away in Peosta.
Fire crews from all over Delaware County rushed to the scene, as thick black smoke poured into the sky.
"We weren't necessarily in the fire, everybody is fighting it from the exterior, because it's too bad to fight it from the inside," said Michael Gerhart, volunteer firefighter.
Allied Waste is a staging area for Delaware County's recycling program.
"Typical recyclables, cardboard and plastics," said Mike Ryan, Delaware County Emergency Manager.
After crews battled the flames, the smoke grew thicker and thicker, taking a toll on the volunteers. Officials called for backup. Nine fire departments were here working together.
"For the man power, we are starting to rehab. We've got the Red Cross here helping out. We're trying to rotate our crews," said Ryan.
Everything inside is burnt to a crisp, including Crystal Gill's office.
"I'm glad no one got hurt, I'm glad my boss wasn't in there," said Crystal Gill, Randy's Excavating.
One firefighter told me the smoke was so thick it was like he was fighting this fire in the dark. He said he'd blindly look around for anything orange and just start spraying. Fire crews still aren't sure what caused the blaze and no one was hurt.
The American Red Cross Grant Wood Chapter has responded to the fire to assist firefighters and emergency personnel. Chapter volunteers are providing drinks and lunch for those on scene and say they will continue for as long as it is needed.
Do you have photo or video of the fire? Send them to us at
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Friday, May 23 at 7:55 PM Anonymous wrote.... wrote ...
THANKS FIREMAN!
Friday, May 23 at 4:41 PM Why no FireWOMEN? wrote ...
Is "FireMAN" really a PC-compliant term in these modern times?
Friday, May 23 at 10:55 AM Anonymous wrote ...
Praise to all volunteer firefighters. It is comforting to know that you are always there to come to our aid if needed.
Friday, May 23 at 10:02 AM Edgewood Resident wrote ...
Considering these firefighters are volunteers, family of mine included, i thank heaven that they are willing every day to put other people's lives & belongings in the forefront of their lives, when my uncle gets a call in the middle of something, he drops everything & runs. These people are real hero's for all of us....The building was still smoldering this morning & has pockets of flames...this is one day i am glad it is raining:)
Friday, May 23 at 8:44 AM tom gibbs wrote ...
Rule of thunb is for our small department(Dundee)if there is a major fire YOU CALL FOR HELP who cares who and when they show up.Give me the names of those bithching so we can talk..
Friday, May 23 at 8:14 AM Firefighter wrote ...
Its pretty sad that people have nothing better to do with their time than to bash people willing to risk it all for free.
Friday, May 23 at 8:11 AM Fire Fighter's wife wrote ...
My husband has been a VOLUNTEER fire fighter for over 25 years. As others have mentioned the hours that they put in training and practicing is more than you will know. Each of them hope and pray they will never have to use the training. The pager going off in the middle of a family meal or as you are going out the door to a kid's event- what do they choose??? To serve people like have emailed and usually with no thanks. Instead of making such accusing comments, thank those that give their time.
Friday, May 23 at 7:58 AM Anonymous wrote ...
If it was a ligite fire the question to ask is was all of the equipment still in the building?Like a forklift ,2 bobcats ,john deere end loader or are all of those safe?well whatever GOOD JOB to the firefighters and to you Frank you finally did it .PUTZ
Friday, May 23 at 7:48 AM someone who used to care wrote ...
I worked there for a few years up to recently. Im am not surprised about a fire but what does surprise me however is how long it took. They maybe 2nd largest garbage refuse but it was a recyling that burned up they only have about a dozen.The way they fixed and planned things it doest amaze me at all. Good job office people you saved a buck.
Thursday, May 22 at 10:17 PM Anonymous wrote ...
I can not beleive people would run our fire departments down. Do these people realize these fire departments are ran from volunteers who go through alot of training to do this job. These small town fire departments do not have paid firefighters. Be thankful we have wonderful men and women who are willing to get training to get called out anytime of the day to fight a fire or go to a car accident. Hats off to all of our firefighters.
Thursday, May 22 at 10:15 PM Firefighters Mom wrote ...
I would like to say thanks to all the Volunteer Fireman that worked so hard today fighting the fire. Also I would like to say to the Delaware Fire Department for a small fire department you should be proud of yourselfs!I have seen how hard you are working to make this fire department what it is. Great Job Everyone !!!
Thursday, May 22 at 8:36 PM Anonymous wrote ...
For those of you that are suggesting this was arson you are way way off base. Allied Waste Services is the second largest waste hauler in the world. We are not stupided enough to set fire to our own building. The consequences for arson are horrible, but for a large corporation , it would be even worse. So lay off the rumors.. I believe an electric box was sparking and that maybe the reason this fire started. Lets be thankful no one was hurt, thank the firemen who helped to stop the fire
Thursday, May 22 at 8:29 PM Brother of firemen wrote ...
I was on an ambulance crew for over 17 years and have 2 brothers that are still firemen. I have great respect for them and what they do. These fireman spend years preparing for what happens on a day like this and will risk their lives for friends and neighbors and people they have never met at anytime day or night, any day of the year and whether for 15 minutes or for most of a day. Please let's remain positive and continue to support these fire personnel. They are big part of all small towns,
Thursday, May 22 at 8:24 PM chiefswife wrote ...
On behalf of the Delawarte Fire Department I would like to thank all of the area firefighters who came and helped our department today. I would also like to thank all of the people praising "my boys" because they do work hard to improve their department. A little pat on the back goes a long way to all firemen and women. They are all underappreciated. I am proud of them all. THANKS EVERYONE!
Thursday, May 22 at 6:54 PM Firefighter wife wrote ...
It sickens me that people are bashing our firefighters who are risking their health and safety and volunteering their time to do a back breaking job!! Do you have any idea how much time they spend training, applying for grants for much needed equipment, holding fund-raisers to raise money for equipment and all of this is done on their own time unpaid! I applaud all our firefighters for all the hard work they do, they are awesome, caring people!!! Thank your volunteer firefighters!!
Thursday, May 22 at 6:50 PM Haley wrote ...
It's weird how close some things can be to your house since I live by Delhi and Manchester! Thank you firemen!!!!
Thursday, May 22 at 6:18 PM tim wrote ...
just to let some of you people know that almost all of delaware's fire dept. work out of the area. maybe since some of you have time to set around and do nothing but complain get off your couch and maybe help out where it is needed. and just hope you don't need help some day geeeese.. some people .
Thursday, May 22 at 5:34 PM Firefighter Wife wrote ...
For all of your information the stop & go juice is something the firefighters drink one weekend a year at the state firefighters convention. A time when they can kickback & relax knowing they won't be called in the middle of a night to save possibly your life or some you love. Hats off to ALL Delaware Co. Firefighters!!! My heart goes out to all who lost their business in the fire! Just thank God no one was there when it started & the alarm company called it in!!!
Thursday, May 22 at 5:11 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Delaware,Iowa and their fire department are top notch.We should be proud of the great job they do.THANK-YOU, to all fire departments that helped with the fire. Resident of Delaware,iowa
Thursday, May 22 at 4:28 PM Upset wrote ...
If the alcohol comments were about the Delaware firemen, it is WRONG. They are creating a new image with younger and very ambitious people.
Thursday, May 22 at 4:19 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Yeah right, I feel bad for them. I heard it's been closed down recently for some unknown reason. ???? Now a fire???
Thursday, May 22 at 3:41 PM Joan wrote ...
I don't think it was arson. They say it may have been a baler that binds the cardboard together. THANK YOU FIREMAN!! YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!
Thursday, May 22 at 3:22 PM What difference does it make? wrote ...
All of delaware co should be glad they have such good fire depts that can work together. Some people need to get a hobby instead of bad mouthing the people that risk their lives to protect you ! Get a life.
Thursday, May 22 at 3:21 PM Anonymous wrote ...
I'm just thankful that everyone is ok and that no one was hurt.
Thursday, May 22 at 3:16 PM local wrote ...
Many of these local fire depts recently won grants from the gov't to buy new equipment,etc. to be better prepared in case of a situations such as this. I'm sure a lot of these items are being put in use today. I'm pretty confident they are prepared. Small but mighty. Many of these men and women left their jobs (some without pay) to fight the fire of a local business. Please give them credit and stop bashing.
Thursday, May 22 at 3:06 PM Anonymous wrote ...
To those who are being cridical of " who was called 1st", please let it go and be gratefull that there are so many caring people who are dedicated to the fire department service and take the time to help.
Thursday, May 22 at 2:43 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Our hearts go out to Randy,Crystal and all those from the original Randy's Santitaion. How devistating it must be to your original building go up in smoke!
Thursday, May 22 at 2:41 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Are Delaware Co fire Depts do a wonderful job in the small communities with the equipment they have
Thursday, May 22 at 2:14 PM wife of a volunteer fireman wrote ...
I am sure the fire department was not "drinking" at the time of the fire. Most volunteer firefighteres have full time jobs that they have to leave in order to get to a fire. Delaware may be a small town, but their fire dept. is a good thing. I know most of Delaware's firemen and they were probably at work before the fire started.
Thursday, May 22 at 2:07 PM also a firemens wife wrote ...
I agree with local firemens wife. As a wife, daughter, sister, niece, and cousin of firemen I pray everytime there is a fire no matter where it is. How dare you bring up stop and go juice during a time like this and talk about drinking. It is in the middle of the afternoon. Yes firemen like to have a good time but who doesnt. Just b/c they are on the fire dept doesnt mean they are alcoholics.
Thursday, May 22 at 2:04 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Is this one Arson too? How many fires has there been in Iowa in the last 2 months? Ask yourself that question too.
Thursday, May 22 at 1:57 PM are you serious? wrote ...
do you not have anything else better to do with your time that you are complaining about who showed up first? who cares who shows up first. there is a bad fire and no one knows to what extent the damage is. let's be thinking of all of those involved that no one is injured or killed. if you don't like the way people are reporting stories, quit reading them or become a journalist!
Thursday, May 22 at 1:32 PM Local firemans wife wrote ...
In my opinion it really dosen't matter who was called first, second or last, we should just pray that no one is injured and that there is minimal property damage. As my husband has been on the volunteer service for several years, I have had the late night phone call that he was injured at a fire and on his way to the hospital, believe me it isn't any fun!!!!!!
Thursday, May 22 at 1:28 PM Firefighters wife wrote ...
I just got off the phone w/my husband, and he says they have almost every fire department in Deleware county responding because Deleware has know way of getting water. There is nothing left of the buiding.
Thursday, May 22 at 1:23 PM Anonymous wrote ...
that is a slap in the face of firemen to state that the first dept was to busy drinking to make it to the fire. These men and women risk alot when they respond to fires and accidents and they deserve more respect for that. you could be the next place they are called to. thanks to the all the hard work that you give your communties as volunteers.
Thursday, May 22 at 1:22 PM DHass wrote ...
I don't think that Delaware has a post office anymore so those addresses are rural route Manchester.
Thursday, May 22 at 1:16 PM Anonymous wrote ...
I heard Delhi, Hopkinton, Greely, Earlville, and Manchester responded. Does it really matter as long as SOMEONE responeded! They are all great fire departments!!
Thursday, May 22 at 1:14 PM Anonymous wrote ...
TO 12:47 P.M. Anonymous.....AMEN. God Bless the firefighters and keep them safe. My husband is one of them as well.
Thursday, May 22 at 1:13 PM Taxpayer wrote ...
Don't you all work or have something better to do than be critical of the news all of the time?
Thursday, May 22 at 1:08 PM Anonymous wrote ...
You guys couldn't handle the Stop & Go Juice anyway. Stay on the porch.......
Thursday, May 22 at 12:59 PM Former resident wrote ...
When did Highway 38 get moved to Manchester? I thought it went through Delaware. Pin point dopplar got itw wires crossed.
Thursday, May 22 at 12:54 PM Anonymous wrote ...
HUH
Thursday, May 22 at 12:47 PM Anonymous wrote ...
My husband is a fire fighter also and I have family who has lost precious things to them in this fire. In the whole scheme of things...does it really matter who was there first.....??? I am just thankful no one was hurt and that there are people out there who volunteer their time to help others. It is very much appreciated!
Thursday, May 22 at 12:36 PM Anonymous wrote ...
I read it wrong the first time. Earlville should have called in and told them they were on their way to the fire. Probably the first department was drinking too much of the stop & go juice
Thursday, May 22 at 12:35 PM Anonymous wrote ...
They can only report the news when someone calls in and reports it. Not their fault that no one obviously from Manchester told them that Manchester was called first. Bunch of babies.
Thursday, May 22 at 12:29 PM wow.... wrote ...
I don't think it matters who responded first-just be glad that we have enough fire fighters to respond as quickly as they did!!!
Thursday, May 22 at 11:44 AM Get the story straight... wrote ...
Earlville Fire Department provided backup to Delaware before Manchester was called. Let's give credit where credit is due.
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