Fire crews work to contain multiple brush fires that broke out on the southbound side of the Everett Turnpike on Nov. 12. Courtesy photo/Jeffrey Hastings

MERRIMACK – Fire crews from Merrimack, Bedford and Nashua worked feverishly on the afternoon of Nov. 12 to extinguish six brush fires that had broken out along the Everett Turnpike.

According to authorities, the flames were reported at approximately 1:30 p.m. on the southbound side of the Turnpike between Bedford and Nashua.

Although the investigation remains ongoing, preliminary reports indicate that the fires may have been caused by a yellow Mack Truck, which allegedly had “flames intermittently bursting from the exhaust pipes and starting the brush fires.”

The truck is also said to have “Kallwall” lettering on the side panel. Anyone with information about the truck is asked to call State Police at 603-271-3636.

Although numerous trips to and from the Turnpike were needed for water refills, the fires were mostly contained within two hours.

However, the day was not over yet. According to authorities, Merrimack Engine 5 was returning to the scene after a water refill. As the fire engine was turning onto Bedford Road at exit 12, a car traveling east allegedly failed to stop and struck the side of the apparatus.

Moments later, the car burst into flames with one adult and four children inside. Although the driver of the fire engine was the lone firefighter at that particular scene, he was able to get everyone out of the car with only minor injuries and then extingished the car fire.