Montreal snowplow operator recalls 'big flames' after vehicle caught fire

Alberto Mennillo's one-man plowing company went up in smoke Tuesday when his truck caught fire.

He had just finished plowing a client's driveway on Walkley Avenue in Notre-Dame-de-Grce when the fire started.

"I see little smoke inside my truck. Then I see the flames, big flames. I stopped my truck and run away," Mennillo said.

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Mennillo wasn't hurt in the incident, but he's concerned about the future of his snow removalcompany, which he operates himself.

Mennillo saidthat when he got home last night, he called many of his customers to tell themwhat happened to his truck and why he wasn't out last night clearing their driveways.

Many customers said they'd stick with Mennillo, but somesaid they'd have to find another company to plow their driveways.

"Lose customers.Lose business," Mennillo said.

He also can't afford to replace his truck.

"It's too expensive. I don't make money to have two trucks," said Mennillo.

Today he borrowed one from his nephew for a few hours, but as of tomorrow, he has no alternative but to wait.

Mennillo saidhe hopes to find another truck before the next storm hits.