August 10, 2021 - The Center Fire Department responded to a truck-tractor fire on U.S. Highway 96 South Tuesday August 10, 2021, just under one mile south of SL 500.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the truck brakes locked up and the driver was able to bring the truck to the side of the road where it caught fire.
When fire personnel arrived just after 4pm, the trailer was fully engulfed in flames and the truck was just starting to be overtaken by the fire.
Fire fighters began working to extinguish the exceedingly hot flames, which weren't easily put out as the contents of the trailer was highly flammable.
Fire fighting foam was used at one time; however, it wasn't successful at snuffing out the flames and the fire personnel used large quantities of water which finally overwhelmed the blaze. After the fire fighters battered back the majority of the blaze with a multi-point attack using several hoses, the fire department's ladder truck was brought in and gave the needed altitude to finish off what remained of the fire from above.
As the fire personnel were fighting the fire, traffic was delayed for an extended period of time until the fire department, Shelby County Sheriff's Department and TxDOT were able to divert northbound traffic into the southbound lanes.
According to the Center Fire Department, the truck involved was a red 2016 Kenworth hauling a trailer loaded with glue. Fire Department personnel returned to the station at 7:15pm.
No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
August 10, 2021 - Travelers on US 96 South of Center should be aware Center Fire Department is currently battling an 18-wheeler on fire. The fire was called in just after 4pm and is blocking northbound lanes of US 96 approximately a mile south of Loop 500. Some traffic is being allowed through, however, it is slow moving as firemen are using extreme caution with the intense heat from the fire. The contents of the trailer is unknown at this time.
Below is an image shared by a Shelby County Today viewer showing the smoke visible from the north side of town.
