Wellman Fire Truck in Minor Accident Responding to Blaze

Firetruck sideswiped a truck hauling a hay wagon on the way to a grass fire call.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A Wellman, Iowa volunteer fire department firetruck was involved in a minor accident while responding to a grass fire on Friday afternoon. The firetruck tried to pass a truck hauling a hay wagon on Highway 22 near Elm Avenue, and the truck turned left as the firetruck was passing, resulting in a sideswipe collision. The firetruck continued on to the fire with minor damage, and no citations were issued.

Why it matters

Firetruck accidents while responding to emergencies are a serious public safety concern, as they can put both firefighters and civilians at risk. This incident highlights the challenges first responders face in navigating traffic safely during emergency calls.

The details

According to dispatch records, the Wellman Volunteer Fire Department was responding to a grass fire near a structure on Highway 22 between Wellman and Kinross just after 12:15 PM when the accident occurred. The firetruck tried to pass the truck hauling the hay wagon, and the truck turned left as the firetruck was passing, leading to the sideswipe collision. The truck driver did not notice the collision, and the firetruck continued on to the fire with only minor damage.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, March 1, 2026 just after 12:15 PM.

The players

Wellman Volunteer Fire Department

The local fire department in Wellman, Iowa that responded to the grass fire call.

Washington County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the accident and exchanged insurance information between the two drivers.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of first responders having clear communication and coordination with other drivers on the road to ensure safe passage during emergency calls. It also highlights the need for continued training and safety protocols to minimize the risk of accidents involving firetrucks and other emergency vehicles.