A big rig caught fire on I-80 near Highway 174 in Colfax after its brakes burst into flames, according to CAL FIRE. The fire caused major traffic and backup on I-80 according to California Highway Patrol.
CAL FIRE's spokesperson Lynne Tolmachoff said fire crews received the call at 1:28 p.m. when they received reports that the big rig's brakes caught fire at the rear. The fire ended up lighting up part of the trailer and the surrounding land nearby.
Thankfully, one of the planes battling the Lowell fire nearby was able to spot it and help firefighters put out the flames Tolmachoff said. About 25 acres of the wildfire caused by the big rig were put out. The fire that engulfed part of the big rig was also put out.
The fire impacted westbound traffic in the area as fire crews worked to contain the fire. CHP officer Chris Nave said westbound lanes were shut down for one hour and only one lane was reopened.
The driver of the big rig was not hurt according to Nave.
