A Levant Fire Department crew headed for a downed tree that had crossed utility lines on the Woods Edge Road in Hermon reported Wednesday that they were passed by a fast-moving motorist in a sport utility vehicle.

The fire crew called dispatch to report that while they were on Annis Road en route to the call, a black Ford Explorer came up behind them at a high rate of speed.

The SUV stayed far closer behind the firetruck than the 300 feet required when an emergency vehicle is headed to a call, Penobscot County sheriff’s Deputy Mike Adams said. The SUV then passed the firetruck.

Adams caught up with the driver on Route 2 near New Boston Road and summoned Tracy Shepard, 29, of Kenduskeag for driving to endanger and failing to yield for an emergency vehicle.

Shepard denied speeding and claimed that the firetruck didn’t have its emergency lights on, Adams said.

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A truck caught fire Thursday afternoon on Interstate 95 near the Hogan Road exit, backing up traffic briefly while the flames were extinguished.

James McClure of Bangor, no age given, was driving his Ford F350 south when his transmission failed, spilling fluid onto the engine, which then ignited, according to Buddy Webb with the Orono Fire Department.

McClure’s truck was destroyed, Webb said, but a trailer towing a hay shredder was not damaged. Maine State Police assisted with traffic flow, which resumed unimpeded in less than half an hour.

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Several patrons renting space at Maine Self Storage reportedly were burglarized Wednesday night, according to Bangor police Officer Tyler Leighton.

Mark Cushman, 42, of Bangor, who owns and operates the storage facility on Hammond Street, called police after he noticed that locks were cut on many of the units. Cushman also showed Leighton a pry bar and socket wrench lying on the ground between a row of storage lockers.

The officer’s police report said he won’t be able to determine exactly what is missing until each of the owners is notified. Cushman said the units all were checked as of 4 p.m. Wednesday.

There are no suspects, but Leighton took down contact information for all the owners. It is not known if the units are insured.

– Compiled by NEWS reporters Eric Russell and Doug Kesseli