BLANDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS — A tractor-trailer fully engulfed in flames triggered a three-alarm response at the westbound Mass Pike service plaza in Blandford Friday afternoon, spreading to the fuel pumps before crews extinguished the fire within approximately 45 minutes.
Emergency crews were called to the service plaza at approximately 12:30 p.m. after reports of a vehicle fire. When responders arrived, everyone had already evacuated the building and the gas pumps had been shut off. The fire spread from the tractor-trailer to the fuel pumps, escalating the incident to three alarms. The service plaza building was not damaged.
Multiple agencies provided mutual aid. Chester Fire responded with Engine 1, Tanker 1, and Engine 2. Additional departments from Blandford, Huntington, Russell, Becket, Lee, Otis, West Springfield, Monterey, Westfield, and the Hilltown Community Ambulance Association all responded to the scene.
The service plaza remains closed. MassDOT spokesperson John Goggin said message boards have been placed along the highway directing westbound drivers who need fuel to exit at Exit 41 in Westfield.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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