Perthville, Eglinton and Bathurst Headquarters Rural Fire Service (RFS) units responded to a triple-0 call after the truck caught fire near the Beekeeper’s Inn on the Mitchell Highway about 24 kilometres from Bathurst.

The truck driver had suffered a blown tyre which, due to friction, caught alight but the driver was able to get the B-Double semitrailer into a rest area.

A bulk water unit and 16 RFS members attended the fire and were able to contain it to the rear of the B-Double.

RFS duty officer and operation officer of the Chifley Zone Keith Meehan said the truck driver was quick thinking and, thanks to his efforts, minimal damaged was done.

“We believe the semitrailer was carrying grain and by the time we arrived the axle was well alight,” he said.

“The driver did not suffer any injury and was able to separate the prime mover and the second trailer.”

The fire was put out with the bulk water unit and foam.