WRGA News, RomeA tractor trailer transporting bundles of cardboard caught fire Friday afternoon while travelling south on Highway 53.
The Rome Fire Department responded to a call shortly after 1 p.m. concerning an Apex Carriers flatbed. It was carrying bales of cardboard for recycling that caught fire.
Witnesses Evelyn Hudson and Steven Whitener of Rome were travelling behind the truck when they noticed smoke and flames coming from the top of the load. They were able to flag down the driver and called 911.
Officials at the scene knew they would have a large task to complete. The bales had to be removed from the truck and placed in the median and on the shoulder of the road. They then had to be taken apart and sprayed down with water.
No injuries occurred, and the cause of the fire is still unknown at this time.