Semi on Fire Shuts Down US 97 near Blewett Pass

A semi pulling a trailer full of styrofoam apple containers caught fire Thursday afternoon causing US 97 three miles north of Blewett Pass to be shut down. The fire was first reported around 3:30 p.m.

Chelan County fire crews arrived to find the semi fully engulfed. The driver was able to escape the blaze unharmed. Once he discovered the fire he was able to safely pull over and get out.

A small brush fire started as a result of the semi fire. Crews were able to quickly knock it down. Washington State Patrol Trooper Brian Moore says the recent rain created wet enough conditions to prevent the brush fire from being much worse.  The fire also cause some damage to the roadway.

The official cause of the fire has not been determined, but initial indications are that it may have been an electrical issue in the semi.

Traffic was limited to one lane alternating for much of the afternoon and delays are expected to continue throughout Thursday night.