On the evening of August 26th, 2013 around 9:15 pm, firefighters received an alarm for a commercial vehicle on fire near mile post 68 on Interstate 40. This brought the response of Engine 511 and Battalion 5. Battalion 5 arrived on scene to find the trailer portion of the semi on fire above the tandem axles approximately 50 percent involved and appeared to be hauling coconuts. E511 arrived and stretched a CAFS attack line and made a quick knockdown on the fire.
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| Firefighters James Bevins, Sean Osterman and Neal Raines cool the area the just exposed |
Due to the load arrangement and extensive overhaul required, Rescue 525 was dispatched to support the operation. Once the rescue arrived, a K12 rescue saw was used to cut holes along side of the trailer to check for extension to the front of the trailer. Ultimately, ADOT used a front end loader to push the trailer over and the roof was removed. During overhaul, crews learned the product was not coconuts but cantaloupes.
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| Firefighter Sean Osterman prepares to cut observation holes along side the trailer |
The cause of the fire was unknown but is believed to of started from a brake fire. Crews were on scene for roughly 3 hours, traffic was reduced to the high speed lane during the operation. Interstate 40 was briefly closed during the initial suppression efforts for firefighter and public safety.
Lt. Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
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