A Freightliner truck pulling a semi-trailer caught fire in Rhododendron in the
early morning hours April 18, and was extensively damaged.

Hwy. 26 was closed for more than four hours.

The truck, driven by Robert Axmaker, 74, of Prineville, was westbound near
milepost 45 when a tire blew, according to Oregon State Police. As Axmaker
was stopping a fire started and quickly spread from the front of the truck. The
driver got out and was not injured.

Hoodland Fire District responded for fire suppression and ODOT personnel
blocked the highway. HFD Fire Chief Mic Eby said the truck fire and tree fires
were doused within 25 seconds of the engine’s arrival.

One firefighter was taken to hospital and released.