The driver of a truck which caught fire on State Highway 1, 10km north of Turangi this morning saw smoke coming out while driving through the township.
He pulled over after making sure he was clear from the town, but was unable to disconnect his trailer which was carrying steel from the truck because the fire had started at the back of the truck wheels.
The south-bound truck was well engulfed when appliances from Turangi and Taupo were called to Motuoapa at about 10.30am.
Turangi deputy chief fire officer Micky Sherwood said the driver had been safety conscious by waiting until he had driven through the town before pulling over. The truck had been carrying steel.
The fire had started on the back of the truck's wheel, but the exact cause is unknown.
