Watson Firefighters Handle Semi On Fire

The Watson Fire Protection District was dispatched to Interstate 57 northbound at milepost 154 shortly before 6pm Tuesday for a reported semi-trailer on fire. Additional information indicated the fire originated underneath the trailer and was extending inside the trailer.

The first arriving Engine Company discovered a double set of trailers, which the driver had disconnected from the semi-tractor, with the rear trailer involved in fire. Heavy fire was visible on the exterior around the front wheel/tire area of the trailer and had already extended into the cargo area at the front of trailer. The fire on the exterior of the trailer was quickly knocked down, preventing extension to the front trailer.

Crews on scene made access to the interior of the trailer and began extinguishing the fire that had involved the contents of the trailer. The trailer was fully loaded with various small parcels, nearly all of which were off-loaded during overhaul operations to insure the fire was completely extinguished.

Watson Fire Protection District personnel were on scene for just under three hours before the scene was turned over to Illinois State Police and a local Tow/Recovery agency.  IDOT was also on scene, as the water used to extinguish the fire created an icy roadway.

Due to the duration of the incident, the Shumway Fire Protection District was requested for a change of quarters to Watson with an Engine Company and a Chief.