Tractor-Trailer Hauling Bales Of Peat Moss Catches Fire On Turnpike

MERRIMACK, NH — Merrimack Fire, police, and state police responded to a report of a truck fire on the F.E. Everett Turnpike Southbound at about Mile Marker 15.6 on Monday.

While en route, responding units were advised the trailer portion of the tractor-trailer was engulfed in fire, the driver had separated the cab from the trailer and moved it away from the fire.

Firefighters arrived at about 7:10 p.m. and found the cargo on the trailer was bales of peat moss, and several bales were burning. The undercarriage of the trailer was also burning, including the tires. A second engine was requested for water supply and crews knocked down the heavy fire with the water on the first engine. Firefighters worked to remove the burning bales and pallets and continued to douse the fire with water.

An infra-red thermal device was used to determine bales that had high levels of heat, and the bales were split open and extinguished. After the fire was extinguished, the undercarriage was found to have significant damage, including the fire burning through some of the main structural supports and tires. Initial information is that the trailer experienced a brake malfunction, causing a fire that extended to the cargo.

Bauchman’s Towing responded to the scene and will work to remove the trailer and the product that was removed from the trailer. The cargo was being hauled from Quebec to an unknown destination.

During the incident, the right travel lane and breakdown lane were closed by New Hampshire State Police. Southbound traffic didn’t experience any significant delays.

Sunday Merrimack, Bedford, Amherst, and Nashua firefighters responded to several brush fires on the Everett Turnpike Southbound due to a malfunctioning truck causing the fires.

Two weeks ago a car in the Northbound lane of the Everett burst into flames

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news