Local trucker survives biggest fire in Utah's history

Cybergal · Jul 11, 2007

Local trucker survives biggest fire in Utah's history
7/11/07
9NEWS.com, CO

FORT COLLINS He says it was like driving through an inferno.

Fred Gonzales has seen a lot in his 15-plus years as a semi-trailer truck driver. However, Saturday, while driving through Utah, he came across something he had never seen before.

Gonzales was driving south on I-15 from Salt Lake City.

"And as soon as I pass a little town called Fillmore, Utah, we see smoke all over the place," Gonzales said.

The Milford Flat fire now the largest fire in the state's history had been raging since Friday.

"There wasn't anybody telling me nothing, to come through, nor to stop, nothing. It was just a regular interstate, be on your way," Gonzales said.

Without any way to turn around, Gonzales he says he headed into the smoke.

"And then all of the sudden light came from everywhere, which was the fire, it just like ignited, it was that fast," said Gonzales.

He then noticed his truck was on fire.

"Fire was coming out of the air breathers, out of the motor, the fire was coming out of everywhere," said Gonzalez.

Gonzales says smoke started to seep into the cab.

"I was just hoping the truck wouldn't die on me while I was going through the flames," Gonzales recalled.

The truck didn't die. On fire, the truck made it through the blaze and Gonzales made it safely out of the truck.

"I'm glad to be alive," said Gonzales, "It was quite a deal, though. It was pretty scary."

As of Wednesday, the Milford Flat fire continues to burn. Utah fire officials say it hasn't spread significantly in the past few days and firefighters have contained 30 percent of it.

Two motorcyclists were killed in a wreck Saturday on I-15.

Smoke crossing the interstate appears to be factor.
Click to expand...

9news article

rwings · Jul 11, 2007

I don't think I would have driven though the smoke. I think I would have backed up a safe distance and considered my options. Although he may have had to make a quick decision and stick with it. Either way, he is lucky to be alive.

truckermario · Jul 12, 2007

UDOT doing a fine job again as usual?

Baack · Jul 12, 2007

Just like in the movies
Drive real fast through the fire. The wind from the speed puts out the fire and the guy saves the girls life.
Or is it he drives real fast, delivering somthing real impantant to the president who then saves the world from disaster.

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