Semi Fire Near Gobbler’s Knob Torches Acreage

Hull of Burned Semi on Highway 287 (courtesy photo)

A semi hauling avocados caught fire 23 miles south of Lamar this past Saturday morning, February 7.  The Prowers County Rural Fire Department responded  to the scene at 8:30am as the cab was burning and the fire had spread to the refrigerated portion of the semi.

Interior of Semi

Highway 287 was closed to one lane by the Prowers County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado State Patrol while the fire department contained the blaze, but both lanes were closed at one point.  The fire ignited the dry brush adjacent to the truck along the bar ditch and the fire spread eastward and was contained to four acres.  An early report states the fire may have been caused in the truck’s electrical system.

Acreage Scorched by Semi Fire

The estimated loss of the truck and its contents is $60,000.