A St. Louis fire department emergency vehicle delivered a patient suffering a medical emergency to St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond Heights Missouri.  After dropping off the patient and ensuring his/her safety, the paramedics returned to the emergency vehicle to find a “haze” around it.  As they approached the front, they noticed the engine and cab were both in flames.  After putting out the fire, it was determined the 2005 St. Louis City Medic II emergency vehicle/ambulance was a total loss.

At this point, we don’t know what caused the Missouri emergency vehicle to catch fire.  Chief Carmen believes the Missouri fire started as a result of an alternator problem.

Richmond Heights Battalion Chief Steve Carmen stated:

“We know what side of the engine the fire started on,” he said. Carmen did not know the total cost of the destruction but estimated it was at least $130,000.”

Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of this vehicle fire.  The injured or ill individual was safety transported to the hospital prior to the vehicle catching fire.  Given the fact that the emergency vehicle was 8 years old, the ambulance had to have been maintained and repaired over time.  The reports indicate the ambulance is currently being inspected by mechanics in an effort to determine the cause of the fire.  If indeed the alternator was the cause of the start of the fire, the company will need to look into the repairs to the alternator or from where the alternator originated from.  While this particular vehicle file caused no injuries, it is a reminder to frequently check all aspects of our vehicles.

Lindsay Rakers, 2013