A tractor-trailer hauling a full load of packaged juice caught fire while traveling east on Interstate 10 near Tennessee Street Saturday morning, May 23. No injuries were reported.
The truck driver told Redlands firefighters that one of the rear trailer tires blew out while he was driving. By the time he was able to pull over to the side of the freeway the tires at the back of the trailer were well involved with fire.
The driver was able to disconnect the trailer without damage to the tractor.
Redlands Fire Department crews arrived to find the trailer fully involved. It took less than 10 minutes to extinguish the blaze.
Damages were estimated at $50,000 for the trailer and another $150,000 for the contents.
In addition to seven firefighters from Redlands, three firefighters from Loma Linda also responded.
The cause of the fire was determined to be mechanical failure in a rear tire.
Redlands Fire Department press releases and other information are available on the Redlands Fire Department Facebook page at www.facebook.com/redlandsfiredepartment or on the City’s website at https://www.cityofredlands.org/fire-department.