EL PASO, Texas --
An 18-wheeler parked on the side of the road turned into a ball of flames Monday night. The fire melted the cab completely and destroyed the empty trailer.
"The flames were reaching the power lines when we got here, and as a precaution we notified El Paso Electric," said Battalion Chief Mitch Farley of the El Paso Fire Department.
Nearby bar patrons at Track One said they saw the truck flare up at about 10:45 p.m. The truck was parked on Robert E. Lee near Montana Avenue.
Firefighters said the driver was not around when the fire started.
Investigators sifted through the charred remains. They ruled the fire accidental even though the truck was off.
"There's always some sort of power running. Whether it be for the refrigerator that's in the sleeper in the cab, or the refrigeration unit that's attached to the trailer," said Farley.
Firefighters had to put out the fire twice after the truck reignited.
Damage is estimated at $50,000.
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