A diesel tanker truck ignited in DeSoto on Friday afternoon, prompting firefighters to evacuate a nearby neighborhood.
According to DeSoto Fire Chief Bryan Southard, the driver of the tanker noticed smoke emanating from the engine while stopped at the intersection of Parkerville Road and Cockrell Hill Road.
The fire quickly spread from the engine to the cab and then toward the 5,000-gallon tank filled with diesel fuel.
Fortunately, the driver managed to exit the vehicle unharmed before the flames engulfed the truck.
Upon the arrival of firefighters, foam was utilized to extinguish the fire, as water has limited effectiveness against flammable liquids. Exhausting their foam supply, additional assistance was summoned from fire departments in nearby Dallas and Duncanville.
After over two hours of effort, the fire was successfully extinguished.
Southard mentioned that city officials utilized their reverse 911 system to notify approximately 700 residents residing within an 800-meter radius of the fire, instructing them to evacuate. All hazards have been mitigated, and residents have been permitted to return home.
Cleaning up after the fire is expected to be a lengthy process, and drivers are advised to steer clear of the intersection.
