MCFD Shares New Details on Massive I-65 Tractor-Trailer Fire Response

Issue #798

August 20, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Friday Weather - Sunny w/ high of 88, low of 66

📰 MCFD Shares New Details on Massive I-65 Tractor-Trailer Fire Response

📰 4 Hospitalized After Ride Incident at Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

MCFD Shares New Details on Massive I-65 Tractor-Trailer Fire Response

Click the image to see more photos from the incident.

From Maury County Fire Department’s post today…

On Tuesday, 8/18/26, MCFD responded to I-65 near the 50 mile marker on mutual aid to Spring Hill FD to provide them with a water supply due to three tractor trailers involved in fire. In the initial response 5 tankers responded which were: Tankers 21, 22, 23, 30, and 32. Command staff from MCFD arrived and reported to Spring Hill’s Incident Commander to coordinate resources. 

Due to the volume of fire and large amount of contents burning along with the heat of the day, the decision was made to transition to a ladder pipe operation. Two additional engines from MCFD, Engines 21 & 30, responded to Kedron Rd and dropped a supply line off the bridge onto the interstate and reversed to a hydrant. One engine pumped the hydrant and one engine relay pumped to Tanker 21 that was on I-65. This was accomplished with a combination of 5” supply line and dual 3” lines. Approximately 1800’ of hose was deployed. Truck 21 arrived and set up a ladder pipe on the south side of the incident to relieve SHFD crews and give them a much needed break of operating hand lines. 

Approximately 50,000 gallons of water were flowed from Truck 21 along with an additional 15,000 gallons of water delivered via tanker shuttle to supply SHFD’s engines.

Although a person tragically perished in this incident, the coordinated response of multiple agencies who put the public first and not jurisdictional boundaries continues to prove itself in responding successfully to major incidents. SHFD has provided countless auto aid responses into the county and we are happy to be able to reciprocate. 

We appreciate Lawrence County Fire for providing standby for the south side of the county and our volunteers for moving equipment up to cover the county while units operated on this incident. 

Special thanks to Maury County Sheriff’s Dept and SHPD for providing traffic control on Kedron Rd to keep our hose lines from being ran over, Maury County 911 for fulfilling all of our requests quick and efficiently, and Maury OEM for the additional rehab supplies. 

4 Hospitalized After Ride Incident at Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair

Four people were taken to the hospital Wednesday night after an amusement ride incident at the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair in Lebanon.

Wilson County Emergency Management Agency responded after the Wave Swinger ride malfunctioned, resulting in several riders coming into contact with a surrounding fence. Nine people were evaluated for injuries, with four transported to a local hospital for additional treatment. Officials said the injuries were not considered life-threatening.

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development has issued a cease-and-desist order for the ride, meaning it cannot reopen until the state receives and reviews a required inspection report and determines that it meets operational requirements.

According to the state, the Wave Swinger was inspected by a third-party inspector on August 12, the day before the fair opened. The ride had recently received a new computer system and motor device, and the manufacturer is expected to assess whether that equipment played a role in the incident.

The ride operator, Reithoffer Shows, holds an active annual operating permit covering dozens of amusement devices. The company said additional information would be released as it becomes available.

The Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair is scheduled to continue through Saturday.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, August 20th

Friday, August 21st

Saturday, August 22nd

Sunday, August 23rd

Monday, August 24th 

Tuesday, August 25th

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🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, August 20
Todd Ciprian - Tito's, 6-9 PM
Patrick McCormic - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM
Curated Songwriters Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM

Friday, August 21
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Eastern Dreamers - Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Christian Chapman - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
Open Mic - Grinder's Switch Winery, 6-9 PM
Yonder Grove - McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Tommy Wheatley - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM
The Deltaz with Opening Act Timbo - Puckett's, 8-10 PM
Covered Wagon - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, August 22
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 2-5 PM
Grasskickers - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5-9 PM
Patton James & The Syncromatics - 600 N Main St, Mt Pleasant, TN, 6-9 PM
StevieRock Acoustic Duo - McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Michael Rix - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
MFT - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM
Scotty Morton - The Boondox, 8 PM

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