KNOXVILLE — A Normal Fire Department truck was burned up in a blaze Wednesday morning on Interstate 74 in Knox County.

Knoxville Fire Protection District Chief Jeff Vandemark said fire crews were called out to a firetruck blaze at about 10 a.m. Wednesday on eastbound I-74 near mile marker 59.

A firefighter from the Normal Fire Department was driving the reserve truck from Alexis Fire Equipment back to Normal, followed by a vehicle driven by another Normal firefighter. Normal Assistant Fire Chief Doug Barnett said the firefighter saw smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and pulled over.

The three Normal firefighters present attempted to extinguish the blaze while they called 911 to respond, but were unsuccessful. It appeared most of the cab was intact, but much of the rest of the truck was claimed by the fire.

“Looked like it may have started near one of the rear wheels, so maybe a brake or tire issue,” Barnett said.

He further said the 2004 fire engine had framework repairs before going to Alexis to have its firefighting equipment reinstalled.

“It’s 14 years old. Not a huge dollar loss, but we’re going to miss it,” Barnett said.

No one was injured in the fire and Normal had insurance on the vehicle. The truck was hauled back to Alexis Fire Equipment.

Vandemark said crews cleared the area at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.