A 53-foot refrigerated semi-truck carrying potatoes erupted in flames along Interstate 75 in Marion County early Saturday morning.
Ocala Fire Rescue, Marion County Fire Rescue, and Florida Highway Patrol units responded to the scene of a vehicle fire at around 4:42 a.m. on Saturday, November 23.
Upon arriving near mile marker 349 on I-75, emergency personnel encountered a large semi-truck that was engulfed in flames.
The semi-truck was carrying a load of potatoes in its refrigerated trailer. Upon arrival, crews worked quickly to shut down the refrigerator to prevent further issues.
The flames were originating from the rear wheels and ventialting through the cargo trailer.
According to OFR, the fire is believed to have originated in the wheel area due to a tire failure that led to the subsequent tire and trailer fire.
Emergency personnel used approximately 1,500 gallons of water to extinguish the fire and cool down the affected areas.
According to OFR, the truck driver was not injured in the incident.