MONTVILLE TWP. — Two lanes of Interstate 71 were closed Thursday afternoon after a southbound garbage truck caught fire.

A Republic Services truck driver and Ohio Highway Patrol Trooper Jeff Hirsch check out fire damage Thursday afternoon to a Republic garbage truck on Interstate 71 south near mile marker 214 in Montville Township. (GAZETTE PHOTO BY STEVE GRAZIER)

Capt. Steve Ingersol of the Medina Fire Department said the fire started on the Republic Services Inc. truck when its braking system lodged against the left rear tire.

Motorists called 911 to report the blaze, which occurred about 12:15 p.m., he said.

“There was no hazardous material that burned. It was just some regular garbage,” said Ingersol, who also said the truck driver was not injured.

The blaze was out about five minutes after firefighters arrived. The back of the truck, a tire and some rubber hoses were scorched, he said.

Two lanes of I-71 southbound were closed for about an hour, Ingersolsaid.

In addition to the Medina department, firefighters from Medina Township and police from Medina and Montville townships responded.

Ohio Highway Patrol Trooper Jeff Hirsch said the fire is under investigation.

Contact Steve Grazier at (330) 721-4012 or sgrazier@medina-gazette.com.

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