CHP reopens westbound I-10 after car-hauler caught fire

Authorities have reopened all lanes of westbound I-10 west of Washington Street after a car-hauler truck caught fire Friday afternoon, forcing authorities to issue a SIG ALERT.

Authorities said the vehicle caught fire on the right shoulder of the interstate. Traffic was backed up east of Jefferson Street. Officers suggested westbound traffic to exit Monroe and use Varner Road or Fred Waring Drive as alternate routes to avoid the delays.

All westbound lanes of I-10 were closed temporarily after the fire was reported at about 2 p.m. At least one lane was back open in about 10 to 15 minutes, according to Cal Fire officials.

There was a lot of smoke ascending over I-10 when firefighters arrived. Firefighters doused the flames quickly and authorities began working to clear the truck from the interstate.

Traffic was slowly getting back to normal after the lanes were reopened, because it was essentially at a stand-still for much of the afternoon.

There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire. News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 will provide more information when we hear back from Cal Fire.