Syracuse Firefighters Extinguish Tractor Trailer Fire

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – On December 12th, 2022 at 7:59 a.m., Syracuse firefighters were alerted by the 911 Center to a possible tractor-trailer on fire on I-81 over E. Adams Street. Firefighters from Engine 8 (S. Salina St.) arrived to NB I-81 to find a 53-foot trailer of a tractor-trailer engulfed in fire from stem to stern. Engine 8 firefighters began fire attack with the 500 gallons of tank water that each engine carries. They immediately determined this would not be sufficient water and requested another company to assist them with getting more water from a street-level hydrant up to them. Firefighters on street level set up aerial-mounted master streams to extinguish some of fire and also as a water-supply—firefighters on the highway connected their handlines to the aerial.

This incident occurred during rush-hour, both on the highway and street level. Syracuse Fire and Police worked with the DPW and DOT to ensure that essential vehicles, such as ambulances, were able to continue moving through the intersection to get to the area hospitals.

Firefighters remained on the highway for almost 2 hours ensuring the contents of the trailer were fully extinguished. As of this afternoon, the trailer is still on the highway and the highway is expected to be closed for a short time longer. The fire was determined to have originated under the wheel well of the tractor and caused by an undetermined mechanical issue. There are no injuries to report. We thank our partners at the 911 Center, Syracuse Police, DOT and DPW.