Horrific Fire Takes Freightliner by Surprise

Labor Day weekend 2025 was meant to be a much-needed break for our brothers and sisters at Freightliner. No one could have imagined what would unfold that Saturday.
 

While heading to the mountains to spend time with family, I received a startling text from my teammate, Sally Rogers, in Hood Paint Blow and Tact: “Did you hear that Freightliner was on fire?” Like many of us, my mind went back to Memorial Day weekend a couple of years ago when a similar message spread after another fire at the plant. 
 

Most of us expected to return to work Tuesday, but instead we were left with unanswered questions: What’s next? How did it start? When will we return to our jobs?
 

Thanks to the incredible response of at least 16 fire stations, the damage was contained, and we still have a building to return to. Their teamwork in the face of crisis was remarkable. While no one was seriously injured, one firefighter did fall through the floor and had to be rescued—a sobering reminder of the dangers they faced to protect our workplace.
 

We also extend our gratitude to our maintenance department, who worked tirelessly around the clock for three weeks. Their efforts allowed us to return to work much sooner than expected. 
 

Still, with severe damage to the A-line chassis, it may take 8–10 months before it’s fully operational again.  The company and our Local are working closely to find the best solutions for everyone affected. Through teamwork, resilience, and community support, we’ll get through this challenge together.