Huntington, West Virginia — On May 8, 2023, a driver for Hirschbach Motor Lines pulled over on I‑64 to extinguish a raging Jeep Wrangler fire, earning the Truckload Carriers Association’s Highway Angel award.

Brandon Kelly, a seasoned CDL‑A driver from Odessa, Florida, had been on the road for eight years when a frantic Jeep owner waved for help beside the interstate. Kelly saw smoke and immediately pulled his rig to the shoulder, called 911, and grabbed his fire extinguisher. "I saw smoke coming from the guy’s vehicle," he recalled. The driver was opening the hood, risking more oxygen to the blaze, but Kelly warned him to stop. With the knowledge he gained as a volunteer firefighter, Kelly calmly doused the flames while talking to the dispatcher.

The local fire department arrived fifteen minutes later and praised Kelly for being in the right place at the right time. Investigation revealed a gas leak and burnt wires were the cause. Kelly’s quick action prevented a potential explosion that could have injured dozens of commuters or damaged nearby businesses.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL‑A holders and owner‑operators, the incident underscores the importance of roadside safety skills. Truckers routinely encounter emergencies beyond their cargo; knowing how to assess a fire, use a fire extinguisher, and communicate with dispatch can save lives. Fleet managers should reinforce training on emergency response and consider periodic refresher courses. The event also highlights that drivers can be first responders when the FMCSA regulations allow safe, lawful stops for emergencies.

Industry Reaction

Hirschbach Motor Lines issued a statement praising Kelly’s professionalism and calling the incident a reminder that the trucking community often steps up in crisis. The Truckload Carriers Association added Kelly to its annual list of Highway Angels, a program that honors drivers who go beyond their duties to protect others on the road. Industry groups echo the sentiment that drivers’ willingness to help keeps highways safer for everyone.

Key Points

• Kelly, a former volunteer firefighter, extinguished a Jeep fire on I‑64 in Huntington, WV, on May 8, 2023.
• He pulled over, called 911, and used a fire extinguisher while advising the driver not to open the hood.
• Fire department praised his timely intervention, noting a gas leak and burnt wires caused the blaze.
• Hirschbach Motor Lines and the Truckload Carriers Association honored him as a Highway Angel.

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