Semi Truck Fire Closes Off Ramp

Glenview-

On Thursday, September 19, 2013, at 1:45 p.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a call about a semi-truck fire in the area of Interstate 8 (westbound) at Los Coches Road. Initially dispatched were two structural engines and a chief officer.

Firefighter-Paramedic Eric Stamm calls for water. The fire would require about 300 gallons to fully extinguish the flames.

Upon departing the Lake Jennings Fire Station, firefighters could see a building column of smoke in the area. Crews requested CHP in anticipation that traffic may be affected by the fire.

Drivers patiently wait till the road could be re-opened.

On arrival of Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station), firefighters discovered a flat-bed semi truck with the rear wheels on fire. The truck driver originally stopped on the freeway but was worried the fire might spread to the vegetation so he continued down the off-ramp until he was clear of the brush. Firefighters pulled attack lines and started the process of cooling the brakes to a point that they would not reignite the tires. After the application of about 300 gallons of water, the fire was fully extinguished. Crews worked to contain runoff so it would not enter the waterways.

As a result of the fire, the Los Coches Road off-ramp was closed for about 15 minutes while fire fighting operations continued.

The fire was determined to be related to a mechanical failure in the braking system. A total of 7 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District
Additional Photography By: Captain Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Protection District

 

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map