WALDOBORO — A tractor trailer truck didn't quite make it up the steep Route 1 hill in Waldoboro, Friday afternoon, Jan. 30, 2026.

As the truck headed south out of town, the truck's cab caught fire just shy of the crest of the hill, known locally as "Ralph's Hill," causing an eventual shut down of traffic in both directions for more than an hour. The driver was not injured.

Waldoboro Fire Department was called at 3:53 p.m., encountering a fully-involved fire upon arrival. By 4:05 p.m., Warren FD had been requested as mutual aid, and in this case, Waldoboro Fire Chief Paul Smeltzer specifed a need for Warren's tanker truck. Also called to the scene for their tankers were Jefferson and Nobleboro. Between the responding apparatus, crews used approximately 10,000 gallons of water to extinguish the fire, according to Smeltzer.

Nobleboro also helped at the scene by blocking off traffic on the south end of the scene, and Bremen took over for Waldoboro PD in diverting traffic at the north end of the scene.

Approximate 15 degree temperatures quickly turned hose water into ice on the pavement, forcing firefighters to walk extra slowly as they carried out their operations. After the fire was extinguished, two Maine Dept. of Transportation plow truck arrived on scene to treat the road with salt and sand prior to the arrival of AutoMaster Collision Center and Tyler's Towing, who are working together to remove the remaining shell of the Northeast Transport cab and the trailer carrying pet food.

Does Waldoboro FD often encounter truck fires on this hill?

"We haven't had one in a long time," said Smeltzer.

The cause of this fire remains unknown at this time.

Crews on scene hope to have Route 1 reopened by 8 p.m., according to the chief.

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Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com