Diesel soot filters causing semi trucks to catch fire while driving?

[Brian556]

There seems to have been an increase in incidents where 18 wheelers catch fire on Dallas area Freeways. Several commenters on Facebook are claiming that this is due to new EPA regulations that apply to 2008 and newer trucks that require them to capture and burn off diesel soot.

I'm wondering if an increase in these incidents has been observed in other parts of the country as well, or if this is false perception due to increased reporting on Facebook, ect.

Facebook post on one of these incidents today:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=816293595058171

[formulanone]

If they perform an exhaust regeneration near grass or flammable materials, there's a great chance something will catch fire. It takes 30-60 minutes and exhaust temps exceed 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

There was always truck fires, so I'm not sure it's actually increased.

[SteveG1988]

*yawn* this is like the era when cars had cats that ran too hot and set fire to grass, the regen issue is a variant of that.

[JREwing78]

Firefighter Nation - Part One: We Have a Problem, Don't We?
Integrating EPA-compliant engines into fleets has been challenging, but defining the exact problem is even more elusive
http://www.firefighternation.com/article/vehicle-operation-and-apparatus/we-have-problem-don-t-we

Part Two: Departments Weigh In
From San Diego to Fort Worth to Charlotte, N.C., fire departments are struggling with a host of issues related to EPA-compliant engines
http://www.firefighternation.com/article/vehicle-operation-and-apparatus/departments-weigh