Transit Bus Fire On Hutch Posed Unique Challenges For Firefighters

PELHAM, NY — Firefighters battling a dramatic transit bus fire on a busy Westchester parkway faced unique challenges as the evening commute neared.

At around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the Village of Pelham Fire Department responded to the vehicle fire on the northbound Hutchinson River Parkway.

Crews encountered a transport bus with an engine compartment fire that had rapidly spread to the passenger area. The driver was able to escape the bus to safety, and no passengers were on board.

While crews attacked flames, the Pelham Manor Fire Department established a water supply from a nearby road and stretched a line onto the highway. The Mount Vernon Fire Department offered support on the scene.

Westchester County police and a NYSDOT Help Truck were also on scene, and assisted with traffic control as firefighters worked.

"Incidents like this on the Hutchinson River Parkway pose unique challenges due to limited water supply and dry vegetation," Pelham Professional Firefighters Local 2213 explained in a statement released on social media. "Thanks to a quick response and seamless coordination among all responding units, the fire was contained to the vehicle without further extension."