Update: Truck Was Engulfed in Flames on S.R. 8 Thursday

was completely engulfed in flames, which caused the highway close for more than half an hour. 

Lt. Paul Amonett, who was at the fire last night with two more firefighters, said the occupants of the truck saw sparks while driving on the expressway and pulled over near Steels Corners. 

"They began to remove equipment from the cargo area, but the flames became too intense," said Amonett in the fire report. No one was harmed. 

According to the report, there was suspicion that the fire may have originated “in proximity of cargo compartment contents.”

Police Lt. Anne Stirm said there is no criminal conduct associated with the fire.

The truck had both wood and aluminum windows in the cargo area which made for "an intense fire," said Amonett.

When the fire department arrived around 9:30 p.m. Thursday, the firefighters said they used most of their water and a dry chemical extinguisher to put out the fire. were also on scene to assist with the traffic on S.R. 8. 

Because of the during construction right now, Amonett said traffic was backed up for a great distance until the fire was put out. The freeway was periodically closed.