HAMBLEN COUNTY, TENNESSEE — A tractor-trailer carrying chicken tenders caught fire on Interstate 81 in Hamblen County Tuesday morning after an axle caught fire, leaving the load charred while firefighters worked in below-freezing conditions. No injuries were reported.

^{Photo credit: West Hamblen County Volunteer Fire Department}

Crews from the South Hamblen County Volunteer Fire Department, West Hamblen County Volunteer Fire Department, and East Hamblen County Volunteer Fire Department fought the blaze for more than three hours in 19-degree temperatures, the departments said.

^{Photo credit: West Hamblen County Volunteer Fire Department}

Officials said the cold was so severe that the water being used to put out the fire quickly froze, creating hazardous conditions at the scene. Because of the icing, the Tennessee Department of Transportation brought a salt truck to help make the area safer for responders.

^{Photo credit: West Hamblen County Volunteer Fire Department}

“Cross-department coordination and response allowed effective and safe operations,” West Hamblen VFD wrote.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol, Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office, Hamblen County E911, and Malone’s Wrecker Service also assisted with the response.

The incident remains under review, and authorities have not reported any injuries.

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