Vehicle Fire Blocks Highway 37 In Sonoma County

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A severe traffic alert was in effect most of Tuesday for state Highway 37 because of a vehicle fire, according to the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans. The incident affected westbound SR-37 just west of Lakeville Highway, with the right lane closed most of Tuesday, according to Caltrans.

"Motorists are advised to expect delays and to use alternate routes to avoid the area," Caltrans said mid-day. "There is no estimated time to reopen the roadway."

Authorities said motorists should take state Highway 121 or Lakeville Highway to avoid the area.

The fire was first reported at about 9:13 a.m. Tuesday and involved a 40-foot RV travel trailer, according to CHP. The Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire, CHP Officer Andrew Barclay said.

A Sig-alert was issued just before 10 a.m., when SR-37 was blocked in both directions.

At about 11 a.m., eastbound Highway 37 reopened.

The travel trailer was not safe to tow, according to CHP Marin, resulting in traffic delays much of the day.

"... Caltrans is enroute to break the trailer into pieces and haul away in dump trucks," CHP Marin officials said via Facebook at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. "The #2 lane will be closed at westbound Lakeville for several more hours. Major delays in the area."

At about 6:30 p.m., both westbound lanes were again closed in order for the vehicle to be removed from the roadway.