Mechanical failure sparks 18-wheeler fire in Gilmer

GILMER, Texas (KLTV) — An 18-wheeler blocked traffic in Gilmer for over four hours after a mechanical failure caused the trailer to catch fire Sunday evening. According to Gilmer Fire Chief Billy Joe Williams, his station received the initial call around 4:30 p.m. A statement from the Gilmer Fire-Rescue puts the location of the trailer fire near the intersection of Highway 271 and Highway 155 North in Gilmer. Williams said a mechanical failure, either in the brakes or tires, sparked a fire on the trailer. Williams said the driver was not injured and was able to disconnect the truck and drive away before the fire spread. The 18-wheeler, a Procter & Gamble truck, was shipping detergents, according to Williams. Williams said the fire caused tires to blow out, radiant heat affected some of the truck's product and the fire ignited the cardboard in the trailer. Williams said his crews were able to get the fire under control quickly and that emergency crews worked to stop the fire and clean up detergent that spilled from the truck onto the highway. Highway 155 North was blocked for about five hours and no one else was involved in the incident, according to Williams.