Hwy. 20 reopened after semi fire east of Sisters
(Update: Adding video; highway reopens, more info)
SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A reported semi-truck fire closed U.S. Highway 20 east of Sisters on Tuesday afternoon, officials said.
The fire was reported shortly before 1:30 p.m. near milepost 4, about four miles north of the intersection with Cloverdale Road, ODOT's Trip Check reported.
Motorists were urged to take alternate routes. By 3 p.m., ODOT had one lane open and was arranging flaggers for alternating traffic in each direction. It was fully reopened later in the afternoon.
The truck driver told first responders he spotted flames coming from the trailer and had tried to put out the fire himself. When that didn't work, he was able to disconnect the tractor from the trailer and save it.
Officials said the incident was under investigation and no one was injured.
Scanner reports indicated the truck's refrigerated trailer was empty, the tires had melted and that it would take an hour or so for the truck to cool down enough to be towed from the scene.