Monday, May 9, 2016 11:00 am

FERNANDINA BEACH, Florida (Press Release from City of Fernandina Beach Fire Dept.) -- The Fernandina Beach Fire Department personnel assisted by Nassau County Fire Rescue responded to a semi-trailer fire on Thursday, May 5, 2016, at approximately 8:02 p.m. An emergency call placed to 911 dispatchers alerted them to the fire at 600 North 8th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL at the WestRock mill main gate area.

Three engine and rescue companies were dispatched to the blaze. Upon arrival, fire crews reported heavy black smoke coming from the fully involved semi-trailer. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire which reportedly started in the truck's brakes before spreading to the tires and box trailer. Explosions that were heard during the incident were in fact the tires of the semi- trailer bursting after catching fire.

No vehicle occupants or mill employees were injured in the fire and no firefighters were injured extinguishing the fire. The semi-trailer was not carrying a load at the time of the fire and was sitting empty just inside the WestRock mill. Two tractor-trailers parked nearby were damaged due to exposure to the intense heat caused by the fire. The fire was reported completely out at approximately 9:30 p.m.