MESA COUNTY, Colo. — A morning commute turned into a chaotic and sticky situation on Thursday when a semi-truck hauling a massive shipment of dried cherries and candy caught fire on Interstate 70. The blaze, which ignited just before sunrise, sent plumes of smoke billowing over Mesa County and shut down eastbound traffic for hours as crews battled the sugar-fueled flames.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:20 a.m. on eastbound I-70, near milepost 9, just west of Loma. While the cargo may have been sweet, the scene was anything but, as emergency responders rushed to contain a fire that quickly engulfed both the tractor and the trailer.
The Spark That Ignited a Sweet Blaze
According to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), the inferno began mechanically before spreading to the combustible cargo. Investigators reported that one of the semi’s tires caught fire while the truck was in motion. The flames rapidly climbed from the wheel well, seizing the trailer and the cab in a matter of minutes.
The driver, a 35-year-old male whose name has not been released, acted quickly. Realizing the danger, he managed to bring the rig to a stop and escape the cab before it was fully consumed by the fire.
- Time of Incident: 6:20 a.m., Thursday.
- Location: Eastbound I-70, Milepost 9 (West of Loma).
- Cause: Tire fire spreading to the trailer.
- Injuries: None reported.
“It started at the wheel level and just took off,” a CSP spokesperson indicated. “By the time units arrived, the vehicle was fully involved.”
A Sticky Situation: Cargo Complicates Cleanup
What set this fire apart from typical highway incidents was the unique payload. The semi was fully loaded with pallets of dried cherries and various candies. As the fire raged, the heat began to melt and caramelize the sugar-laden cargo, creating a challenging environment for firefighters.
The combination of burning tires, diesel fuel, and thousands of pounds of roasting fruit and candy created a thick, distinct smoke that was visible for miles.
Cleanup crews faced a difficult task not just in extinguishing the flames, but in managing the debris. Melted sugar can act as a fuel accelerant and, once cooled, hardens into a substance difficult to scrape from asphalt. The destroyed trailer left a charred, sticky residue across the right lane, requiring extensive work to clear before the highway could be deemed safe for travel.
Commuter Chaos and Lane Reopenings
The fire struck right at the start of the morning rush, forcing authorities to close eastbound I-70 completely at 6:30 a.m. Traffic quickly backed up as commuters and transport trucks were brought to a standstill west of Loma.
For nearly three hours, the interstate remained a parking lot.
“The safety of the motoring public is our priority. We couldn’t open a lane until the fire was knocked down and the smoke cleared enough for visibility,” a responding officer stated.
State troopers and Department of Transportation crews worked tirelessly to clear a path. By 9:18 a.m., authorities were able to reopen the left eastbound lane, allowing a trickle of traffic to squeeze past the smoldering wreckage. The right lane remained closed well into the afternoon as specialized equipment was brought in to remove the shell of the truck and the charred remains of the cherry and candy shipment.
Miraculous Escape
Despite the intensity of the fire and the hazardous materials involved, the most important news from the scene was the safety of the operator. The driver walked away completely uninjured, a fortunate outcome given how quickly semi-truck fires can become deadly.
Truck fires on mountain corridors like I-70 are a serious concern for Colorado officials. The steep grades and heavy braking required can overheat components, leading to tire or brake fires. In this case, the driver’s alertness likely saved his life, allowing him to pull over and exit the vehicle immediately upon noticing the smoke.
As investigations continue into the exact maintenance history of the vehicle, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatility of heavy transport.
The cleanup continues, but the message is clear: material goods can be replaced, but lives cannot. The melted candy and scorched pavement will eventually be cleared, but the gratitude for a safe outcome remains.
We want to hear from you. Were you stuck in the backup on I-70 this morning? Did you see the smoke? Share your experience in the comments below or tag us on social media using #I70Fire.
