KEARNEY — A semi caught fire near the intersection of N Avenue and the M Avenue overpass during the morning hours of Monday, Oct. 9.
At 11:14 a.m., the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to N Avenue, just east of the Java Junction coffee shop, for the report of a semi that was on fire.
A pillar of black smoke was rising from the scene when the KVFD arrived.
A semi with Florell Transportation Company of Elm Creek markings had come to a stop on the immediate east side of N Ave. The fire appeared to have originated in the engine compartment.
KVFD Fire Chief Aaron Jameson said the semi had likely suffered a fuel or fluid leak. A trail of spilled fluid could be seen originating from the semi, back to N Ave. and up the M Ave. overpass.
Jameson said firefighters deployed their primary attack line and knocked down the fire within a few minutes of arriving on scene. A tanker was later dispatched, and additional water was applied to the engine compartment.
The driver, the only occupant, was able to get clear of the semi without injury.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated, Jameson said.
The Kearney Police Department assisted with traffic control on scene.
