On June 11, 2025, at 9:41 p.m., Cumberland County Firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on Westbound I-40 near mile marker 339. A Peterbilt truck carrying a livestock trailer had its brakes lock up, causing a smoke smell, signaling a possible fire. The driver and passenger evacuated the vehicle, and by the time firefighters arrived, the fire had fully engulfed the vehicle, rendering it a total loss.

Seven firefighters used approximately 750 gallons of water to extinguish the blaze. The animals in the attached livestock trailer were safely evacuated. The Cumberland County Fire Department noted that Peterbilt trucks are susceptible to various issues that could have caused the fire.

• Brake System Failure: The reported brake lockup suggests overheating or mechanical failure in the braking system, which can generate enough heat to ignite flammable materials like brake fluid or nearby components.
• Electrical Issues: Faulty wiring, short circuits, or overloaded electrical systems in heavy-duty trucks can spark fires, especially in older or poorly maintained vehicles.
• Fuel System Leaks: Leaks in the fuel lines or tank could have been ignited by a spark or hot surface, leading to rapid fire spread.
• Mechanical Overheating: Engine or transmission components overheating due to friction, lack of lubrication, or mechanical stress could ignite flammable materials.
• Tire or Wheel Issues: A blown tire or overheated wheel bearings could generate enough heat to start a fire, especially if debris or flammable material was present.
• External Factors: Debris on the road, such as flammable materials struck by the truck, or an external spark could have contributed.