LULA — An alert tractor-trailer driver was able to get his vehicle safely out of the highway in Banks County after the rear trailer tires blew and caught fire Thursday.
Banks County firefighters were dispatched to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 2405 Hwy. 51 S., Lula, at 5:50 p.m.
An initial caller reported the truck was on fire and was 30 feet from the church building.
“Before he could get somewhere to pull off to safety, I guess he pulled into the church parking lot then the whole back end of the trailer caught fire and had flames,” said Battalion Chief Scottie Mathis of Banks County Fire/EMS.
Because of the reported proximity to the church building, “we rolled additional resources just to help protect the church if need be,” Mathis said.
In total, Banks County sent two engines, a tanker, an ambulance, the shift captain and Mathis.
“We got here and all four tires were on fire,” Mathis said. “They pulled some [hose] lines and got it knocked down. They actually kept the fire under the trailer and none of it actually got into the trailer to the contents.”
The truck cab was owned by C & K Transportation LLC and was leased to QTS Transportation LLC. The trailer was letter Cosco Shipping.
Mathis said there were no injuries and there was no damage to the church building.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2019/6/802117/fire-damages-tractor-trailer-carrying-chicken-in-banks-county