MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a commercial vehicle trailer fire on U.S. 30 at mile post 16 near Interstate 71 in Mifflin Township of Richland County.

According to the Patrol, the fire occurred when a 2015 Kenworth semi, driven by Christopher C. Willig, 45, of Stow, Ohio, was driving west on US-30 near mile post 16 when flames were visible coming from the trailer he was hauling. The commercial trailer was a 2006 White WANC box trailer hauling approximately 33,000 pounds of tires.

Willig pulled to the paved shoulder and disconnected the truck from the trailer. Willig was not injured.

US-30 westbound was closed for approximately five hours. One lane of US-30 westbound was opened at 7:28 a.m. Both lanes of US-30 eastbound remained opened.

Mifflin (Richland) Township Fire, Madison Township Fire, Monroe Township Fire, Mifflin (Ashland) Fire, Washington Township Fire, Franklin Township Fire, Jefferson Township Fire, Springfield Township Fire, Troy Township Fire, Hayesville Fire, Mansfield City Fire, Ashland City Fire, Richland County Highway Department, Richland County EMA, The Ohio Department of Transportation and Shelly Smith & Sons Towing assisted on scene.