Lexington firefighters respond after semi trailer catches fire on I-75 southbound Tuesday afternoon

Crews responded to a semi truck trailer fire on Interstate 75 southbound on Tuesday afternoon, according to WKYT. The report said the incident involved a trailer axle on fire and that the fire occurred while the truck was traveling.

WKYT reported that the fire was first noticed just past a point identified in its account as being on I-75 southbound near Lexington. The Lexington Fire Department arrived on scene and began working to extinguish the flames.

According to the WKYT report, fire crews focused on containing the trailer fire while managing conditions around the moving interstate. Truck fires on high-speed roadways can create immediate risks for nearby drivers and crews, particularly if the fire is concentrated near wheel or axle components.

The WKYT account did not specify whether any drivers or firefighters were injured, nor did it provide details on how many lanes were affected or how long the incident lasted. It also did not identify the carrier or the cargo type involved in the trailer.

While the precise cause was not detailed in WKYT’s report, axle and wheel-area fires can be associated with brake heat, mechanical failure, or contact with road debris. In these situations, firefighters typically work to cool and control ignition sources while preventing renewed flare-ups from surrounding materials.

Drivers traveling through the area were advised, through standard roadway safety practice, to follow any directions from responders and to use caution around emergency equipment on the interstate. Officials generally continue assessing the scene until the fire is fully out and the roadway can be reopened safely if any lanes are shut down.