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Semi trucks catch fire sometimes. But one packed full of frozen curly fries? That’s just cruel irony. Drivers on I-95 in York, Maine enjoyed a roadside bonfire as firefighters worked to save what they could. Here’s how Maine’s latest food truck turned out.

The fire started around 1:40 p.m. on I-95 South, just past Beech Ridge Road. At first, it wasn’t even clear what town the truck was in. The York Fire Department reported: “Kittery Fire also was dispatched as it was uncertain whether the fire was in York or Kittery.” The departments figured it out fast. But by the time crews arrived, the truck was fully engulfed.

The cargo? Frozen curly fries, bound for an unknown destination. But instead of getting golden and crispy in a deep fryer, these spuds went straight to charcoal. Firefighters attacked the blaze with three hoses, dumping “approximately 6,000 gallons of water” onto the burning rig. But it was too late. “The trailer and cargo were a total loss.”

The great Maine curly fries massacre

This wasn’t just a small kitchen fire. The massive response blocked off most of the highway, with only one lane open for hours. The York Fire Department noted, “There was significant traffic impact throughout York as a result of the fire.” It didn’t help that the incident triggered an avalanche of 911 calls—30 people dialed in to report the burning truck.

York Beach Fire sent a tanker truck to help out. Kittery Fire, which had been dispatched in the confusion, stuck around to lend a hand. Firefighters stretched three hoses and worked until the flames were out. National Wrecker was called in for cleanup duty, hauling away what was left of the truck and its ill-fated fries.

Maine produces some of the best potatoes in the world. But this shipment won’t be making it to dinner plates. The York Fire Department confirmed, “There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians,” but the fries? Completely toast. Let’s hope the next truckload gets a safer trip to the fryer.

For those looking to really relive the moment, here’s the full statement from the York Fire Department:

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer who brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts. Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.