Butler ladder truck gets first official call to service

Shortly before 3:30 this afternoon, Bates County Sheriff's dispatch received a call that smoke was coming from the upper portion of the abandoned grain elevator on north Lexington street in Adrian. The location of the fire, between two and three stories up, with no interior access to the upper levels, was an ideal situation to call in the new Butler fire department ladder truck.

Upon arrival, Butler Fire Chief Jim Henry took command as the ladder was maneuvered into place as two Butler fire personnel climbed up to make the attack.

Fortunately, the fire was confined to a small area and was quickly brought under control. Crews were on the scene about 2 1/2 hours and the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Members of the Butler Fire Department prepare to make an attack on a fire at the old Adrian grain elevator
on Lexington street this afternoon

QUITE A STRETCH - The Butler Fire Department ladder truck safely put firefighters
at the exact location of the fire. There was no access to the fire location from the
ground or inside the building making the ladder truck the only alternative.

Another perspective gives a feel for the height required to reach the fire