Firefighters Deal w/Semi Trailer Fire

(A PHOTO FROM THE SCENE SUNDAY NIGHT)

Effingham firefighters handled a fire Sunday night that damaged a 40-foot semi trailer.

Firefighters were summoned around 9:30pm to the trailer, which was located behind Pilot Truck Stop on North 3rd Street. The trailer was loaded with discarded tires from the Wingfoot Tire Shop, and was fully involved in fire when firefighters reached the scene.

Effingham Fire Chief Bob Tutko said the fire was contained to the trailer. Fire crews were able to keep the fire from spreading to a tire repair shop located next to the trailer while battling a fire fueled not only by the tires, but by strong winds.

One firefighter suffered a minor hand injury while helping battle the fire.

Tutko said the fire has been deemed suspicious, as security camera footage shows a person smoking at the rear of the trailer minutes before the fire started.

Crews used 15 five-gallon pails of foam to extinguish the fire. Damage is estimated at $25,000.