ApparatusCivil SuitNegligenceProduct LiabilityVolunteers
Virginia Fire Department Sues Apparatus Manufacturer for Fire
A Virginia fire department that suffered a major fire in it’s fire station back in 2012, has filed suit against the manufacturer of an engine that allegedly started the fire. The January 26, 2012 fire in the Brosville Volunteer Fire Department’s station caused over $1 million in damage.
Investigator’s concluded that the fire started in a 2008 International engine described as a “crash engine”. The suit is actually being brought in the fire company’s name by it’s insurer under a right of subrogation. Selective Insurance is suing Navistar International Corporation.
The engine had an estimated value of $270,000 with $200,000 worth of equipment. Also damaged was an ambulance worth $150,000 and $50,000 in equipment, plus damage to the station.
Huh?
Fire Engine Gone. Bad?
So the four year old Aircraft Rescue Firefighting vehicle is to “Blame” for the fire according to the results of the Virginia State Police.
What about the maintenance records for it.
And how, did it cause the fire in the first place?
Like H-A-L in the movie 2001 A Space Odyssey, some internal clock finally reached
It’s
“Ignition Time”
Waiting to start the fire
This will be an interesting “Product Liability Lawsuit” to follow.
But I think it still starts with the maintenance records, whether the FD ever used the vehicle out of its design parameters, which could have led to some type of equipment damage, finally resulting in the fire.