A fire involving a semi-tank trailer leaking diesel fuel prompted emergency evacuations and a multi-agency response in Umatilla County Friday afternoon.

The blaze broke out around 4:00 p.m. on Bensel Road, where firefighters from Umatilla County Fire District responded to find a semi-tanker fully engulfed in flames, with hazardous materials leaking from the scene. A HazMat team was deployed to monitor the diesel spill.

The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office evacuated nearby residents as a precaution. Fire crews from multiple districts, including Boardman Fire Rescue, Echo Fire, Irrigon Fire, and Umatilla Rural Fire Protection, assisted in containing the fire.

Officials confirmed that the fire caused significant damage to chemical totes, the semi-tank trailer, and a shop building. One firefighter suffered a heat-related injury and was treated on site. No other injuries were reported.

Investigators determined the fire began from burning in a barrel, which spread to nearby combustible materials. Authorities remind the public that a burn ban is in effect from June 1 through October 1 across the district's service area.