Normal, Bloomington fire departments fight semi

by: Kate Stevens

Posted: Aug 4, 2023 / 11:30 AM CDT

Updated: Aug 4, 2023 / 12:59 PM CDT

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — The Normal, Bloomington, and Bloomington Township Fire departments worked together in putting out a semi-trailer fire on I-55/74 just north of the Market Street Exit Friday morning.

The Illinois State Police said Troop 5 responded to the scene at approximately 9:42 a.m. The Bloomington Fire Department and the Bloomington Township Fire District responded at 9:48 a.m.

In a press release, Frank Friend, the BPF public information officer, said the semi-trailer was hauling frozen goods and no hazardous materials were on board.

Friend also said that crews were on the scene for hours as they overhauled the cargo, extinguishing remaining flames.

Traffic was originally stalled on the southbound side of I-55/74, but the Normal Fire Department posted on Facebook around 11 a.m. stating that traffic was moving again but warned motorists to watch for crews as there were lane restrictions as crews worked to extinguish the fire.

The State police said around noon that the left southbound lane and the left northbound lane were shut down for recovery and cleanup.

Friend said crews cleared the scene at 12:20 p.m. and the interstate is open, but the area roads are congested due to traffic.

“Remember to stay off your phone while driving,” Friend said. “We encourage motorists to slow down and move over. Give us room to work. Working on roadways is one of the most dangerous parts of our job.”

Friend said the semi-driver was treated by paramedics, but no further injuries have been reported.

The cause of the fire has yet to be announced.

More updates will be added to the story as they become available.