Multiple Marion County Fire Rescue crews scrambled to a rest area on Interstate 75 late Tuesday afternoon as a roaring fire destroyed a semi-trailer.
Firefighters received multiple 911 calls shortly before 4 p.m. and when they arrived at the rest area at Mile Marker 346, they found the trailer, loaded with tires, fully involved in flames.
The driver of the truck had been able to disconnect the trailer and pull the cab away to a safe distance from the fire. He was not injured in the blaze.
An additional three engine companies and three water tankers were dispatched to assist in fighting the fire. Crews from Friendship Fire Station 21, Liberty Station 32, Marion Oaks Station 24, Golden Ocala Station 20 and Shady Station 16 arrived on scene and quickly deployed hose lines. Residents and travelers were urged to use caution on the interstate, as traffic quickly slowed and backed up near the incident.