Multiple Agencies Respond to Tractor-Trailer Fire on I-90 Near Mile Marker 9.5
Girard Township, PA – This morning at approximately 10:00 AM, firefighters from Platea and Springfield were dispatched to Interstate 90 eastbound near the 9.5 mile marker for a reported vehicle fire. Shortly after dispatch, Erie County 911 advised that Pennsylvania State Police were already on scene confirming a working fire involving both the cab and trailer of a tractor-trailer. Units were also advised that the trailer was reportedly hauling pizza products.Engines 642 and 592 responded, followed shortly by Tanker 595 and Engine 644. Engine 592 arrived on scene to find heavy fire involvement throughout the tractor and trailer, with Chief 580 establishing I-90 Command. As crews began operations, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) shut down the eastbound lanes ahead of the incident to provide a safe working area. An additional PSP unit was requested to the westbound lanes east of the scene to alert oncoming traffic.Crews from Engine 592 deployed a bumper line and initiated an aggressive fire attack. Engine 642 arrived shortly after and established a water supply to Engine 592, while Tanker 595 supplemented Engine 642. Engine 644 positioned alongside Engine 592, with crews deploying additional handlines to assist with suppression efforts.Within approximately 25 minutes of arrival, Chief 580 reported the fire under control, with crews transitioning into an extensive overhaul operation. Utility 599 assisted with scene support and traffic control, including diverting traffic west of Exit 18. During operations, Tanker 595 temporarily cleared the scene to refill before returning with additional water to support ongoing efforts. Utility 646 also arrived, providing additional manpower to assist crews on scene.During overhaul operations, crews continued extinguishing remaining hot spots within the trailer while opening up the load to ensure complete extinguishment. One lane of traffic was eventually reopened as conditions allowed. Eagle Towing arrived on scene and began separating the tractor from the trailer to assist crews in accessing remaining fire.All units cleared the scene and returned to service approximately 2.5 hours after the initial dispatch. Crews then relinquished the scene to Pennsylvania State Police, PennDOT, and Eagle Towing. No injuries were reported on scene and all occupants were able to exit the vehicle.
