Big rig fire causes 75-gallon diesel spill on westbound I-80 near Colfax

Westbound Interstate 80 was shut down Monday near Colfax after a big-rig fire led to a 75-gallon diesel spill, officials said.

The fire was reported shortly before 10 a.m. on westbound I-80 east of Highway 174 and the Colfax exit. Caltrans said a closure of all westbound lanes was underway in the Secret Town area, about five miles east of Colfax. There was no estimated time for reopening the highway.

Firefighters arrived to find an enclosed refrigerated trailer with heavy smoke and flames coming from its rear axles, Cal Fire said. Crews extinguished the fire within about 30 minutes.

As the big rig and trailer were being towed from the area, officials said the truck was compromised, causing about 75 gallons of diesel fuel to spill and the westbound side of the freeway to close.

Motorists are being advised to use alternate routes and avoid the area.

No injuries were reported in the fire.