Hazardous cargo fuels intense blaze at Smith Hill Summit, sending one firefighter for treatment and closing northbound traffic lanes
Images by Rural Metro Fire.
SUNNY VALLEY, Ore. — A semi truck fire along Interstate 5 near milepost 74 northbound at Smith Hill Summit prompted a multi-agency emergency response Sunday afternoon, according to Rural Metro Fire.
Fire crews arrived to find the blaze had spread from the tractor into the trailer and into nearby vegetation, ultimately burning approximately one-tenth of an acre. The situation quickly escalated as the truck’s cargo began to explode, complicating suppression efforts.
Officials said the semi was hauling a mixed load that included automotive supplies, aerosol cans, and cooking seasonings. The combination created hazardous conditions and produced thick, noxious smoke at the scene.
During firefighting operations, one firefighter required on-scene medical treatment for minor smoke exposure. No other injuries were reported.
Responding agencies included Wolf Creek Rural Fire Protection District, Glendale Rural Fire Protection District, AMR Josephine County, Oregon State Police, and Oregon Department of Transportation.
Firefighters and transportation crews also worked to contain runoff from suppression efforts to prevent environmental impact.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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