The following information was provided to BrownwoodNews.com regarding Wednesday’s 18-wheeler fire between Zephyr and Early:
On September 27th at 2:29 p.m. the Early Fire Department and Zephyr Fire Department were dispatched to 7100 Block of Highway 183/84 South for an 18-wheeler on fire with several grassfires in the ditch. The Early Fire Chief arrived on scene at 2:32 p.m. to find a 18-wheeler box trailer which was over 50% involved at the time of arrival. Highway 183/84 was shut down immediately for the safety of the firefighters and for fire department operations. The truck driver was able to disconnect from the burning trailer before our arrival and the truck was not damaged. The truck driver advised the trailer is completely full of furniture, household items and a motorcycle.
At 2:35 p.m. Engine 88 from Early Fire Department arrived and began extinguishment at this time. Lifeguard EMS arrived on scene shortly after and evaluated the driver and the passenger for minor injuries and smoke inhalation. Zephyr Fire Department arrived on scene at 2:37 p.m. after putting out 5 small separate grassfires in the ditch while responding to the trailer fire to assist.
The Early Fire Chief requested Brownwood Fire Department and Blanket Fire Department for more equipment and manpower as well as the Brown County Precinct 2 and Precinct 3 for an additional water tender and a backhoe. At 3:38 p.m. the Brown County Precinct 2 backhoe arrived on scene. The backhoe was used to drag all the burnt items in the burning trailer out into the highway so the Fire Department could finish extinguishing the Fire.
At 4:40 p.m. the fire was out and a very extensive overhaul began. At 5:25 p.m. the overhaul was complete and the burnt items/debris were pushed out of the roadway on to the shoulder. At this time the highway was partially opened up so traffic could resume. Welch Brothers Wrecker Service began their clean up at this time.
The Early Fire Department, Zephyr Fire Department, Blanket Fire Department, Brownwood Fire Department, Lifeguard EMS, Brown County Precinct 2 and 3, Welch Brothers Wrecker Service, TXDOT, TX DPS, Early Police Department and Brown County Sheriff’s Office all responded and assisted with the Incident.
At 8 p.m. all units cleared the scene and the Highway was opened up at this time for normal traffic. The trailer and the contents were a total loss and the fire is under investigation by Brown County Fire Marshal Buddy Preston.
