[UPDATE 11:23 a.m.] Truck Fire on Shelter Cove Road
A truck caught on fire about 9:35 a.m. on Shelter Cove Road near Machi Road, close to the “Welcome to Shelter Cove” sign. Flames from the truck fire caught an nearby tree on fire and spread to the hillside.
By 10:07 a.m., Shelter Cove Fire has the fire contained with just some vegetation still burning. They are knocking it down, according to a report on the CHP Traffic Incident Information Page.
However, the burned vehicle is still blocking the eastbound lane and a tow truck is requested.
UPDATE 11:23 a.m.: Shelter Cove Fire sent the following photos of the incident. An inmate crew is working to mop up the fire.
A pickup was consumed by fire as it pulled up trailer up Shelter Cove Road. [Photo provided by Shelter Cove]
![A pickup was consumed by fire as it pulled up trailer up Shelter Cove Road. [Photo provided by a reader]](https://kymkemp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20200809_104043.jpg)
Close up of the incident. [Photo provided by a reader]
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What’s with all the truck fires lately? Are certain vehicles developing age-related fuel leaks now? Is there a database of the year/make/model of vehicle fires?
While a Japanese article, it applies equally here. I once was fueling at the same time a vehicle across pump island was. The gas was splashing to the ground from under the car as he obviously kept pumping away. I pointed it out. He immediately got in and drove off, leaving a trail of gasoline behind him. Opening the windows while driving is not a maintenance solution.
It’s the ethanol in fuel lines; it reacts with the lines from the inside causing them to harden and crack.
Not saying it’s related to the fires orgin…but that is some sort of fuel tank in the truck bed. . must have made things a little interesting for first responders
🕯🌳Humboldt trying to mix it up with accident and fires all in one.👨🚒🚁🚑
Glad no one was hurt. Looks like the virus got to the truck. I think the trailer is fine. I am guessing they were travelers from out of the area. The destroyed wheel chair is kind of sad. A big thank you to the Shelter Cove Fire Department for their work. It is nice to know you are ready to go damn quick when needed!!
on FB — “This was a 2020 Dodge 2500HD with 4,700 miles on it, exhaust brakes and 1,000 ft-lbs of torque pulling about 5,500 lbs. trailer uphill heading west and about 4 miles out of Shelter Cove. Perfect match for the job with experienced mountain driver pulling at about 25 mph. Transmission let go and fire started with absolutely no warning. BTW, the wheels belong to a burned up kayak carrier – thanks for the concern! No one was hurt and thanks for all the good thoughts and sorry for the inconveniences that day! Big thing we learned was if you have this happen block your wheels so the whole thing does not roll down the mountain while on fire after the brakes burn! Great local lady fire fighter gave us that tip.”
That’s a lot of work getting up that hill. Friend blew a transmission line which ignited on the hot metal and lost his truck.
Was there right after it happened and took this photo. Glad fire department arrived promptly.
That looks awful. Thank you for posting this.
thats a small truck for a trailer coming down the hill. maybe the brakes got to hot and well blew up
It was a full sized dodge towing a relatively small trailer. (22 feet or so) and, they were climbing the hill leaving shelter cove.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy, I carry one on each side under the seat.
Yep, every car should have one. They don’t cost that much.
So glad no one was injured, though, a bummer end to a session at the Cove.
First responders are the true heros of the day, as always.