Tractor-trailer catches fire on U.S. Highway 191

The Moab Valley Fire Department extinguished a tractor-trailer fire on U.S. Highway 191 north of Moab on June 20. Grand County Deputy Sheriff Jamison Wiggins (far left) and Sgt. Curt Brewer (center, facing camera) responded to the emergency with Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Tyler West (center) and Sgt. Kyle Curtis (right). The semi was hauling rolls of plastic. Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Ty Roberts said the fire was caused by a mechanical failure when the trailer’s tire blew. Roberts said people will see “a lot more” of these types of fires start in the hot summer months when tires blow out and brakes are hot. He advises people to pull off onto the shoulder of the roadway, but not into the grass, which could also be ignited and spread a major fire.