The Copper Canyon Fire and Medical Authority extinguished a vehicle fire involving a semi-truck and trailer loaded with hay on northbound Interstate 17 on Monday, Aug. 23.
Emergency crews arrived on scene to find a semi pulling a trailer loaded with 25 tons of hay at 4:30 p.m.
The trailer and stack of hay was completely involved with fire, and fire was beginning to impinge on the tractor itself.
Hay burning from the stack was beginning to fall into both northbound lanes of travel. Authorities closed Interstate 17 was closed.
Two 1¾-inch quick attack hose lines were deployed from the first due engine for fire attack and exposure protection of the tractor.
Additional resources were added to the working assignment from Verde Valley Fire District, Sedona Fire District, Cottonwood Fire Dept. and Verde Valley Ambulance Company. Additional resources included one additional Type 1 engine, 4 water tenders, Rehab unit and a support unit. Emergency responses also included Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona Department of Transportation and a towing company.
The fire was controlled in approximately 20 minutes.
Interstate 17 remained closed for approximately two hours during the incident causing a long line of traffic back up, with emergency crews remaining on scene for approximately three hours for overhaul and cleanup of the scene.
There were no report injuries during the incident. ADOT crews and tow crews were on scene Tuesday, Aug. 24, finishing up removal of the hay and clean up.
CCFMD would like to recognize the driver of the semi for getting the truck and trailer to a location on the shoulder of I-17 were extension to the brush and wild land would be minimal if any.
There was no extension the brush during this incident in large to the drivers quick thinking.
CCFMD would like to thank all agencies involved in the fire incident for their help and support. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
