Marine Vehicle Catches Fire on Interstate 8

Blossom Valley-

A group of Marines returning from a construction assignment in Yuma spent a little more time in Lakeside than they had anticipated when the truck carrying their construction equipment caught fire.

On Monday, October 28th, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. the Lakeside Fire District received a report of a semi truck on fire on Interstate 8 east of Lake Jennings Park Road. After the initial call went out additional information was received that this might involve a military vehicle with a fuel tank on fire. An additional engine and water tender were added to the response based on that information.

Firefighter-Paramedic Bing Tom applies water till the braking system had cooled down.

As crews arrived on scene they located a truck with a brake and tire fire in the westbound lanes just west of the old map stop. Relieved to see that some advanced weapon system was not involved in the blaze, crews quickly knocked down the fire, and cancelled units that were not needed. An alert driver had disconnected the trailer from the tractor so the fire could not spread to the fuel tanks.

The Marines had been assigned to a construction project in Yuma and were eagerly retuning to their home base at MCAS Miramar. Arrangements were made to get assistance to the stricken truck and CHP officers arrived to lend further assistance.

A total of three structural engines, a water tender, and a duty chief were initially dispatched. A total of 10 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident. After size-up the incident was handled by one engine.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District