A fire in the engine compartment of an International semi tractor-trailer this (Friday) morning, was apparently caused by an electrical/wiring malfunction. Griswold Firefighter Andy Steffen told KJAN News the fire happened at around 8:20-a.m., on the property of Ray Wilson at 60253 Wichita Road, south of Griswold. Wilson said the truck had been sitting for three or four days, so the engine would not have been hot. When he looked out the window this morning, he saw smoke coming out from under the hood/engine cowling.

Wilson rushed outside and used a hose to extinguish most of the fire before firefighters arrived. He told fire crews it sounded like the truck was trying to start when he approached it. Steffen said that sometimes happens with an electrical fire. Wilson’s quick action, Steffen said, prevented the flames from spreading to shed that housed vehicles and equipment. The shed was about three-or four-feet away from the truck.

There were no injuries. The truck sustained an estimated $15-to $20,000 damage. Griswold Fire was on the scene for about 20-minutes.