A Bolster’s Rubbish & Recycling truck caught fire Wednesday afternoon on Interstate 95 Southbound in Newport. Newport Fire Department photo

A trash truck caught fire on Interstate 95 southbound in Newport on Wednesday afternoon, according to Newport Fire Chief Jeff Chretien.

Newport fire crews tended to a call from the operator of a Bolster’s Rubbish Removal truck for an hour, starting at approximately 2:45 p.m.

“When (the firetruck driver) pulled up, he said it was a ball of fire coming out from the hood and under the ground,” Chretien said.

The driver of the truck was driving down the highway, saw smoke and the vehicle immediately “burst into flames.” The roll off of the truck was approximately half full, but the fire did not spread to it.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. There were no injuries associated with the fire.

No mutual aid was necessary. An engine company and a tanker from Newport responded.


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