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Fiery semi closes highway

Burning trailer unit shuts down Highway #1 near Squilax turnoff for more than an hour Saturday.
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A tractor unit burns on the Trans-Canada Highway near the Squilax Anglemont Road Saturday as people hurry to move nearby vehicles - Image credit: Martha Wickett/Salmon Arm Observer

A fiery trailer unit just east of the Squilax Anglemont Road closed the Trans-Canada Highway on Saturday, March 4 for more than an hour.

About 1:05 p.m., Chase RCMP responded to a report of the trailer portion of a tractor-trailer rig burning on the eastbound side of the highway.

The driver attempted to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful, so, with the help of a passerby, he was able to move the tractor unit to safety.

Highway #1 was closed while the Shuswap Volunteer Fire Department extinguished the blaze, heat from which could be felt on the opposite side of the road.

Fire chief Gary Hoult reports the cause hasn’t been determined but it could have been the trailer’s air brakes.

Traffic was reduced to single lane, alternating directions for a few more hours while the debris was removed.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Chase detachment at 250-679-3221.