Snowplow burns in Prior Lake
The Scott County truck, while in the 2500 block of Spring Lake Road, caught fire about 3:45 p.m. Monday, said Fire Chief Doug Hartman. The driver saw the flames in his rear-view mirror, and "at that point he exited immediately," Hartman said. "He didn't feel he had time to grab the fire extinguisher."
The cause of the fire, which firefighters extinguished, has yet to be determined. But, "If I had to speculate, it very well could have been a hydraulic leak" that led to the flames, the chief said.
The spectacular fire left the driver "visibly shaken," said Hartman, who added that numerous witnesses took and provided him with photos. "He had a full tank of fuel. That's the reason there was a lot of fire."
County Engineer Mitch Rasmussen said it will cost $250,000 to replace the truck, which was insured. However, Rasmussen added, it could be a while before a replacement truck is found, bought and fitted with plow and computer equipment.
In the meantime, the county will operate without a spare backing up its fleet of 19 plow trucks. Rasmussen said county residents shouldn't notice unless another double-digit snowstorm hits.
The cause of the fire, which firefighters extinguished, has yet to be determined. But, "If I had to speculate, it very well could have been a hydraulic leak" that led to the flames, the chief said.
The spectacular fire left the driver "visibly shaken," said Hartman, who added that numerous witnesses took and provided him with photos. "He had a full tank of fuel. That's the reason there was a lot of fire."
County Engineer Mitch Rasmussen said it will cost $250,000 to replace the truck, which was insured. However, Rasmussen added, it could be a while before a replacement truck is found, bought and fitted with plow and computer equipment.
In the meantime, the county will operate without a spare backing up its fleet of 19 plow trucks. Rasmussen said county residents shouldn't notice unless another double-digit snowstorm hits.
PAUL WALSH
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