OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) responded early Saturday to a semi-trailer fire on Interstate 75 (I-75) southbound near mile marker 349. The incident, reported at 4:42 a.m., saw units including Engine 6, Rescue 6, Battalion Chief 11, and a Safety Officer dispatched to the scene.
Firefighters say they arrived to find a 53-foot refrigerated semi-trailer engulfed in flames, with fire emanating from the rear wheels and spreading through the trailer carrying a potato shipment. Emergency crews quickly disabled the refrigeration system to prevent further hazards.
Approximately 1,500 gallons of water were used to extinguish the fire and cool the affected areas. The driver escaped unharmed.
Investigators believe the fire started due to a tire failure that ignited the wheel assembly and trailer. Marion County Fire Rescue’s Engine 11 and the Florida Highway Patrol also assisted in managing the situation. OFR says that traffic disruptions were minimal as responders quickly contained the blaze.