State Police rush to Interstate 81 in Parish after early morning tractor trailer fire disrupts southbound traffic

New York – State Police were called to the scene of a tractor trailer fire early Sunday morning on Interstate 81 in the town of Parish, after a commercial vehicle burst into flames along the southbound lanes.

According to authorities, the incident occurred on December 28, 2025, at approximately 4:56 a.m., when troopers responded to reports of a vehicle fire on I-81 southbound. The fire involved a tractor trailer that had pulled over to the west shoulder of the highway moments before flames spread rapidly through the cab.

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A preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was a 2016 Kenworth tractor pulling a trailer loaded with frozen vegetables. The truck was traveling south when the driver heard a sudden loud noise coming from the trailer. The operator, identified as Oussama Jaziri, a 40-year-old male from Canada, immediately pulled off the roadway to check the issue.

When he exited the vehicle, the driver noticed one of the trailer’s axles glowing red, a clear sign of extreme heat. Shortly afterward, a fire ignited near the axle area. The flames quickly intensified, spreading to the tractor and fully engulfing it in fire within a short period of time.

Emergency responders arrived to find the tractor consumed by flames, sending thick smoke into the early morning sky. Fire crews worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further or causing damage to nearby vehicles. Despite the intensity of the fire, no injuries were reported, and the driver was able to safely distance himself from the burning truck.

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Traffic along Interstate 81 was impacted by the incident. Authorities closed one southbound lane to allow emergency personnel to safely manage the scene. As of the latest update, one lane remains closed while cleanup and recovery operations continue. Crews are working to remove debris, assess damage to the roadway, and ensure the area is safe for normal traffic flow.

State Police received assistance from multiple local agencies during the response. Those providing support included the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, Parish Volunteer Fire Company, Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Central Square Fire Department, and Hastings Fire Department. Their coordinated efforts helped bring the situation under control and secure the area.

The cause of the axle overheating remains under investigation. State Police have not released additional details but noted that the incident appears to be mechanical in nature. Motorists traveling through the area are advised to expect delays and use caution until all lanes are fully reopened.