Tractor Trailer Burns in Higgston

mrandolphadvance@gmail.com

A semi-truck burned in a blaze in Higgston on Monday afternoon, July 20.

According to Higgston Assistant Fire Chief Chris McLendon, the Department was dispatched to a vehicle fire on Georgia Highway 29, near the road’s intersection with Ferguson Road, at 3:30 p.m. on July 20. When firefighters arrived, a tractor trailer carrying a load of yogurt was fully engulfed in flames, and small spot fires were spreading into the grass beside the roadway.

The truck’s driver was able to escape before the cab caught fire. The road was closed for almost 6 hours, as the Higgston, Tarrytown, and Montgomery State Prison Fire Departments worked to contain and extinguish the blaze. The road was reopened after the fire had been put out, overlay operations had been completed, and the area was deemed safe and clear.

The incident was turned over to Higgston Fire Investigator Raymond McDonald to determine the cause of the blaze. Mc-Donald found the fire to be accidental, as it stemmed from mechanical issues within the truck.

Assistant Fire Chief McLendon shared his gratitude for several groups, departments, and agencies, including Coopers Towing, who he said worked quickly and professionally to remove the tractor trailer, helping the road to be reopened.

“The Higgston Fire Department extends its appreciation to the Tarrytown Fire Department, Montgomery State Prison Fire Department, law enforcement, EMS, and dispatch personnel for their professionalism, teamwork, and rapid response during the incident. The quick arrival of fire apparatus and the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies played a vital role in bringing the fire under control safely and efficiently. Most importantly, the driver escaped without injury, no firefighters were injured, and all emergency personnel returned home safely after the incident,” he reflected.