Motorists traveling on Interstate 75 experienced a slower commute on Friday morning after a semi-truck transporting cooking oil caught on fire.
Shortly before 5:40 a.m., Ocala Fire Rescue units consisting of Engines 1, 4, and 6, Rescue 1, Tower 1, Battalion Chief 11, and a Safety Officer responded to I-75, between exits 350 and 352 in Ocala.
Upon arrival, the units observed a semi-truck with its trailer fully engulfed in flames. The truck’s cab had become detached and was separated from the trailer.
According to OFR, Tower 1 crew members used their vehicle to block traffic that was adjacent to the scene, establishing a safe zone. Crew members with Engine 1, Engine 4, and Rescue 1 began battling the blaze.
Engine 4 and Engine 6 were both reassigned to help supply Engine 1 with water.
While firefighters combated the fire, two southbound lanes were blocked on I-75. All traffic onto I-75 southbound, from State Road 40, was diverted by Ocala Police Department officers.
The fire was under control by 5:54 a.m. and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
The state warning point was notified. The Florida Highway Patrol also responded.