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A vehicle fire on Interstate 70 turned into a larger emergency Wednesday night when explosions from the burning car spread sparks across the roadway, igniting dry grass in the median.
The Montgomery Fire Protection District responded to the call just after 10 p.m. Crews arrived to find a car fully engulfed in flames. Officials reported that multiple explosions were coming from the vehicle, one of which sent sparks flying into the median, setting the grass alight.
Firefighters worked to extinguish the car while a tanker truck was deployed to douse the flames spreading through the median. The fire was contained within about an hour, and no injuries were reported, according to a press release from the district.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene: the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Central Dispatch, Montgomery County Ambulance District, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The response was coordinated and efficient, preventing the fire from spreading to nearby brush or adjacent road lanes.
“Vehicle fires on highways are especially dangerous because they can trigger secondary fires or cause drivers to panic,” said Captain Mark Reynolds of the Montgomery Fire Protection District in a follow-up statement. “We always recommend that motorists pull as far to the right as possible, turn off the engine, and get at least 100 feet away from the vehicle. Never attempt to open the hood if you see flames or smoke.”
The incident highlights the importance of staying alert while driving, especially during dry conditions. The median grass along I-70 in central Missouri is often dry late in the summer, making it vulnerable to sparks from roadside fires or vehicle malfunctions.
Fire officials also reminded drivers to keep a fire extinguisher in their vehicle and to know how to use it. “If you see a small fire in the engine compartment and you can safely access the extinguisher, you may be able to prevent it from growing. But always prioritize your safety over the vehicle,” Reynolds added.
The cause of the original car fire remains under investigation. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is reviewing potential mechanical failure or electrical issues. No further details have been released as of the latest update.
For drivers traveling on I-70 through Montgomery County, authorities advise caution in the area where the incident occurred, though no road closures were reported. The median damage has been assessed, and maintenance crews will reseed the burned area in the coming days.
This event serves as a reminder that quick response from multiple agencies can prevent a small roadside fire from becoming a major wildfire. Firefighters encourage the public to report any signs of smoke or flames along highways immediately.
Key safety takeaways from the incident:
The Montgomery Fire Protection District expressed gratitude to the cooperating agencies for their swift response. No additional updates on the fire are expected until the investigation concludes.
