A commercial trailer fire slowed traffic approximately five kilometres west of Castlegar at the brake check along Highway 3 at around 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday.
Ootischenia Fire Department fire chief Len Coates said the incident occurred when the brakes on the rear passenger side of the trailer heated up as it was being transported southbound by a semi.
Crews managed to detach the trailer from the semi before the fire intensified.
The highway was reduced to single-lane alternating traffic as both OFD and Castlegar Fire Department (CFD) members battled the blaze.
“Both me and the CFD chief worked side by side to work out all the issues and keep everyone safe,” said Coates.
The fire was put out at around 2:30 p.m. and the highway reopened to traffic shortly after.
Many motorist have had their brakes overheat as they’ve travelled down from the Paulson Summit in the past.
“We probably get calls about this issue once or twice every year,” said Coates.
“The brake check was installed there to ensure motorists don’t have any issues with their brakes as they enter the town.”
The male driver of the semi didn’t sustain any injuries.
Castlegar RCMP and Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement personnel also responded to the incident.
READ MORE: No one injured in Highway 3 vehicle fire east of Castlegar
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