Tractor trailer catches fire at Big Stop

7 years ago

HOULTON, Maine — A tractor trailer driver avoided injury Saturday when the rig he was driving burst into flames at the Irving Big Stop. 

Houlton Fire Chief Milton Cone said Tuesday morning that Carl Greenier pulled into the truck stop around 2:50 p.m. Saturday to fill up the 2008 Peterbilt tractor trailer he was driving when he noticed smoke starting to billow from the under the hood. Greenier was able to back back the rig away from the fuel pumps before exiting the cab.

The fire department dispatched about 17 firefighters and two engines to the scene and, upon arrival, found the tractor trailer fully engulfed in flames.

Cone said he was unaware as to where Greenier resided or what he was hauling. The tractor trailer was registered to a Jason Jenkins of Minnesota, he said.

Because of the extensive damage to the vehicle, firefighters could only trace the origin of the fire to the engine compartment. The vehicle was a total loss.