Series of fires fill road with smoke, fire trucks
Traffic came to a standstill on Interstate 5 while firefighters battled numerous fires along a 48-mile stretch of Interstate 5. Motorists reported swerving to avoid fire as roadside trees burst into flames. Authorities do not yet know what sparked the fires.
EUGENE, Ore. -- Traffic came to a standstill on Interstate 5 while firefighters battled numerous fires along Interstate 5.
Authorities now say earlier reports that the fires were started and spread by burning hay truck are incorrect. Investigators now believe the truck ignited due to the fires along the road.
There is no report yet on the driver of the truck.
The cause of the fires is not known at this time.
Grass fires were reported in multiple locations from mile post 190 through mile post 238 along I-5.
All of the small fires have been reported extinguished. There is one large fire currently burning on the south side of Santiam Bluff near the Mitchell Rock Quarry. Trees, grass, and brush are currently burning.
The Oregon Department of Transporation provided the following photographs of the hay truck that ignited as it passed through one of the burning areas.
Motorists reported swerving to avoid fire as roadside trees burst into flames.
Firefighters from fire departments located Marion and Linn counties are currently on scene as they continue to battle numerous grass, brush, and tree fires.
Interstate 5 opened and closed numerous times as conditions changed. Check TripCheck for the latest.
Motorists are asked to watch for emergency vehicles as they work their way around traffic to extinguish the many fires.
KVAL TV reporter Meghan Kalkstein was on the scene and reported fires on both sides of Interstate 5.
She talked to motorists who reported having to swerve to avoid flames.
Kalkstein reported seeing fires every two miles along I-5. She counted at least six different fire agencies fighting fires.
Firefighters were running from one fire to another and working to get water to the flames, she said.
"As soon as they get to one, another flames up," she said. "It's like Armageddon."
The cause of the fires is unknown, but such fires can be caused by vehicles with mechanical problems or metal scraping the roadway, creating sparks.
"If drivers see smoke across the highway or emergency vehicles, be prepared to slow down and change lanes to fire crews room to maneuver," said ODOT District Manager Mike Spaeth.
This story will be updated as new information becomes available. Check the Breaking News Blog for more.
If you shot photographs or video of the smoke, traffic or fires, please contribute them to YouNews.
