No injuries after flames consume transport carrying Styrofoam on Hwy. 17

A tractor-trailer carrying a load of Styrofoam caught fire and was consumed in flames near Kenora, Ont., on March 4. (Skilled Truckers Canada photo)

Highway 17 near Kenora, Ont., was closed for a few hours this week after a tractor-trailer carrying a load of Styrofoam caught fire and was consumed in flames.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze before it spread to the Styrofoam on Wednesday.

Ontario Provincial Police said officers responded to reports of the fire around 2:30 p.m. near Bee Lake.

“The driver was able to exit the tractor safely and did not sustain injuries,” police said in a news release.

“Strong winds contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, resulting in the tractor unit becoming fully engulfed. The trailer was carrying a load of Styrofoam, which fortunately did not ignite.”

The Machin Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire before it spread to the trailer, police said.

“Due to heavy black smoke creating a visibility hazard, both eastbound and westbound lanes of Highway 17 were temporarily closed,” police said.

“The highway has since reopened. No foul play is suspected. The OPP would like to thank motorists for their patience and cooperation during the temporary closure.”