Hero trucker avoids fire disaster in Ripon

A semi-truck and trailer loaded with chemicals caught fire Thursday morning in Ripon. There were no injuries. (Bart Ah You/The Modesto Bee) (More photos at the link.)

After blaze breaks out in trailer, driver moves rig away from other vehicles

By Leslie Albrecht
lalbrecht@modbee.com

last updated: February 26, 2009 09:46:40 PM

RIPON -- Police are calling a truck driver who kept his cool as his big rig was engulfed in flames a hero.

Randal Taylor, 49, of Salt Lake City was asleep in his truck at Flying J Truck Plaza on Jack Tone Road just before 4 a.m. Thursday when a fire broke out inside the vehicle's trailer. The truck was carrying chemicals, including 908 pounds of sodium hydroxide and 612 pounds of an industrial-strength bleach, according to Chief Dennis Bitters of the Ripon Fire Department.

Taylor's truck was surrounded by dozens of other trucks parked in an area where drivers rest between shifts. Instead of fleeing his vehicle, Taylor drove the truck out of the lot and onto Santos Avenue, Ripon Police Chief Richard Bull said.

"The driver used courage and he used great common sense and reasoning to try to keep this from becoming a major disaster," Bull said. "We sure commend him for it."

As Taylor drove away, flames shot from the trailer in all directions, witnesses said. Clouds of black smoke billowed out of the trailer.

The fire destroyed the trailer, leaving only the metal framing. No injuries were reported. Residents in nearby houses were told to stay indoors as firefighters battled the blaze.

Workers from a hazardous materials team from the Bay Area worked in the afternoon to remove the chemicals. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

Bee staff writer Leslie Albrecht can be reached at lalbrecht@modbee.com or 578-2378.

Source: Modesto Bee