(OCALA, FL.) Nov. 23, 2024 – Ocala Fire Rescue responded to a transportation vehicle fire near Mile Marker 349 on Interstate 75 Southbound around 4:42 a.m. Units dispatched included Engine 6, Rescue 6, Battalion Chief 11, and a Safety Officer. Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters found a 53-foot refrigerated semi-trailer ablaze, with flames originating from the rear wheels and ventilating through the cargo trailer. The trailer was carrying a load of potatoes, and quick action was taken to shut down the refrigerator to prevent further complications. Engine 6 used approximately 1,500 gallons of water to successfully extinguish the fire and cool down the affected wheel and trailer areas. Fortunately, the driver of the vehicle was not injured in the incident. The fire is believed to have originated in the wheel area due to a tire failure, which led to the subsequent tire and trailer fire. In addition to Ocala Fire Rescue, Marion County Fire Rescue's Engine 11 and the Florida Highway Patrol also responded.