Over 150 firefighters from Carbon, Schuylkill and Luzerne counties responded to the scene of a fire at the Hazleton Oil & Environmental business located off Route 309 in Banks Township, with their quick action averting a major catastrophe at the site.

Of primary concern of fire company leaders were the 16,000 gallons of used fuel oil that are stored in the garage area of the facility.

The fire started in a rear storage area where firefighters were able to extinguish it and prevent a large storage tank from exploding.

The company’s operations call for the removal and storage of waste oil, antifreeze, oil filters, sludge and fuel oil.