Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – A fire heavily damaged a truck at a local business the morning of Feb. 25.
“The Presque Isle Fire Department responded to a call at T.A. Service, located on Dyer St., at approximately 11:45 a.m. Wednesday. A call came in reporting a truck was on fire,” said Deputy Chief Richard Wark, PIFD.
Wark said the vehicle, owned by Jere Humphrey, of Crouseville, had been taken to the garage for maintenance.
“The vehicle was in the garage. When someone tried to start it, the truck burst into flames under the hood,” said Wark.
The truck was pushed outside, preventing any other damage to the garage or its contents.
“Staff quickly called us and were able to push the plow truck outside, where firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze,” said Wark.
One tanker and four firefighters responded to the scene.
Wark said although he did not have a dollar figure on the amount of damage the vehicle sustained, the Chevy one-ton plow truck was heavily damaged and would most likely be considered a total loss. In addition to the damage under the hood, the fire spread to the cab, where it traveled quickly from the dash to the seat and door panels. Black smoke could be seen rising over the business as firefighters extinguished the blaze, which took the crew about 20 minutes to ensure no hot spots remained.
“The cause of the fire is undetermined,” said Wark.
No injuries were reported as the result of the blaze.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
HOT WHEELS – Firefighters Brandon Greaves and B.J. Estey worked to put out truck fire on Dyer St. Feb. 25. The vehicle, owned by Jere Humphrey, had been taken to T.A. Service for maintenance when the engine reportedly caught fire. No one was injured but the truck sustained heavy fire damage and was believed to be a total loss.
