A Yuma school bus caught fire this afternoon at approximately 4:30 p.m. The bus, Yuma Schools Transportation school bus #23, was traveling eastbound on Interstate 8 at the time.
Yuma School District One provided notice of the incident in coordination with Yuma Schools Transportation within an hour of the incident. YST transports both District One and Yuma Union High School District students.
Per District One, there were no students on board at the time and the bus driver is safe. The incident is under investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
A release from the Yuma Fire Department sent later Tuesday night revealed more details of the response.
In response to the report of a bus emitting smoke, YFD dispatched two Yuma Engine units. While en route, they were advised that flames were observed, and the assignment was upgraded to "special duty 1." An additional engine unit was dispatched.
Another unit in the vicinity of the incident arrived ahead of suppression units and confirmed the driver was safe and no children were present on the bus.
Upon the assigned units' arrival, one engine deployed a bumper line and quickly extinguished the fire. After determining the bus was propane-powered, another unit secured the propane system by shutting off flow from onboard tanks.
Responders conducted an air monitoring survey to check for any potential propane leaks; no abnormalities were detected.
YFD noted that the incident provided additional challenges due to the alternative fuel source of the vehicle and the fact that firefighting operations were conducted on an active highway.
District One expressed its gratitude:
"The safety of our students and staff is our top priority and we appreciate our community’s concern. Yuma School District One thanks our local first responders and emergency personnel for responding swiftly."
This reporting is supported by a grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation.
