SEQUIM — U.S. Highway 101 was reopened fully to traffic by 12:30 p.m. today after an engine fire in a semitruck loaded with sawdust prompted closure of the roadway between Port Angeles and Sequim.
The fire began in a white 1992 Kenworth driven by Michael J. Thompson, 39, of Port Angeles, according to State Patrol Trooper Mark Hodgson.
Thompson was not hurt.
Thompson told the State Patrol that the egnine began to smoke as he was driving eastbound on Highway 101 near Barr Road at about 10:30 a.m.
He pulled to the shoulder of the road just east of Sherburne Road, and the engine caught fire.
All lanes of Highway 101 were blocked first by fire fighters, who quickly extinguished the blaze, for one hour.
The roadway was partially blocked for another hour before it was fully reopened.
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Earlier story
PORT ANGELES — U.S. Highway 101 is closed in both directions at Milepost 258 near South Barr Road, between Port Angeles and Sequim, because of a fire in a semi-truck, said the state Department of Transportation.
The fire began at about 10:41 a.m. today, and Clallam County Fire District 3 fire fighters are responding to ti.
Traffic is being detoured to nearby roads, according to Transportation.
