Reefer Safety Training Brings Critical Lessons to First Responders
Chief Rodney Wiggins of Greene County Fire Rescue developed the course following the line-of-duty death of Greene County Battalion Chief Chris Eddy on September 4, 2024.
Chief Eddy was responding to a fire involving a refrigerated tractor-trailer, commonly known as a “reefer,” when the heavily insulated container experienced a catastrophic over-pressurization explosion. The trailer was carrying non-hazardous frozen chicken at the time of the incident.
Because refrigerated containers carrying food and other perishables are not typically classified as hazardous materials, the potential dangers associated with these units can be overlooked during emergency response. Chief Wiggins developed the course to share lessons learned from the incident and help first responders better recognize and respond to these risks.
Key Course Objectives
The training is designed for firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, tow operators, and other personnel involved in emergency response. Topics include:
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Incident Breakdown: A detailed review of the 2024 Greene County incident, including lessons learned from Chief Wiggins, who was on scene during the response.
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Reefer Identification: How to quickly identify refrigerated trucks, trailers, and intermodal containers during an emergency.
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Construction and Fire Behavior: How the construction and insulation of refrigerated units can retain heat and gases, affecting normal fire behavior.
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Pressure and Explosion Dangers: How fires involving non-hazardous cargo can create dangerous pressure buildup and lead to unexpected structural failures.
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On-Scene Strategy and Safety: Response strategies based on lessons learned and investigation findings, including initial size-up, safe stand-off distances, and defensive tactics designed to improve responder safety.
To register, email charles.mundy@perry-ga.gov