Tractor Trailer Deemed Total Loss after Blaze on I-79 Leads to Response from Bridgeport Fire Department
By Jeff Toquinto on January 06, 2020 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
A dairy delivery tractor trailer caught on fire this afternoon along Interstate 79 and led to a shutdown of both lanes as a result, according to Bridgeport Fire Department Chief Phil Hart.
Hart said Bridgeport units responded to the call for a truck fire that came in at 1:57 p.m. this afternoon. Upon arrival, Hart said there was little to do other than try to extinguish the blaze.
“The cabin was fully involved upon arrival,” said Hart. “The tractor was partially loaded with milk. We were able to save the two-wheel dolly, but that was about it”
According to Hart, the driver of the vehicle was heading southbound on Interstate 79 when the right front wheel caught on fire. The driver pulled off the road and attempted to extinguish the blaze.
“The extinguisher ran out of material and the driver then called 911 and upon arrival the cabin in the fully involved state,” said Hart.
Hart said I-79 South, in both lanes, was shut down for nearly 35 minutes. He said at 3:30 that one lane was open as a towing company was clearing and cleaning the scene.
The West Virginia Division of Highways was handling traffic control until both lanes were open, Hart said. No one was injured.
Along with the Bridgeport Fire Department, assistance came from Valley VFD from Marion County. Spelter and Nutter Fort water tankers were called in to supply additional water.
The location of the incident was at the 127 mile marker. The area is just a few miles past the Marion County border.
