Brownwood News – 24 hours after a fiery explosion sent black smoke billowing from behind the Early Fire Department, investigation into what caused the blast continues.  A fuel delivery was being made when the explosion occurred.  According to City of Early Fire Marshal, Seth Ringler, as of Thursday morning, there is no official cause yet.

The fire was reported about 10:00 am Wednesday, May 6.  “We heard Early Fire Chief, Chad Hill, come across the radio requesting an ambulance and stating there had been an explosion behind the fire department,” said Early Chief of Police, David Mercer.

Mercer helped provide aid to the truck driver, Chad Pachall, in the fire station until Lifeguard EMS personnel arrived a short time later.  Pachall was the only one injured, officials say.  According to Mercer, Early PD, Brownwood PD and Brown County Sheriff’s Department blocked off all four lanes of traffic in front of the fire department to allow an Air Evac medical helicopter to land and transport Pachall to Parkland Hospital in Dallas.

“Once the fire was out and the scene was contained, utility guys contained any of the water and fluid in the area that might contain fuel or oil.  It did burn an oil storage tank that was also next to the diesel tanks which is also a part of the black smoke, it was extremely heavy black smoke, which a lot of people saw,” Mercer said.  The fire also destroyed the engine and cab of the delivery truck but the tank of fuel on the truck did not catch fire, thanks to quick work by the fire department.

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TCEQ and Railroad Commission were both notified.  “They’re giving guidance on what needs to be done,” Mercer said, in reference to cleaning up the site.