Truck Ejects Flaming Material, Causing Major Backup on Highway 17

Early this morning, the California Highway Patrol announced a traffic incident on Highway 17, north of Alma Bridge Road, involving a truck hauling trash that caught fire.

At around 7 a.m., the CHP San Jose station tweeted that the blaze had started in a box truck. A spokesperson confirmed that while the #2 lane remained closed, the #1 lane was open to traffic. Santa Clara County Fire Department and Cal Fire SCU were also on the scene, as shown in accompanying photos.

According to Capt. Jon Bui of SCCFD, the fire was reported at approximately 6:45 a.m. by the truck driver, who noticed smoke coming from the back of the vehicle. “It was definitely burning,” said Bui, who clarified that the truck was not a municipal vehicle but a commercial box truck. The driver attempted to dump the load on the roadway, which consisted mainly of recyclable materials like plastics and cardboard.

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The fire was significant enough to require extensive response efforts. “This isn’t a quick fix,” Bui noted. “We’re dealing with at least 50 feet of debris here.” Crews had to carefully remove the pile of trash, a task complicated by the need for specialized equipment.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Meanwhile, residents in the area shared reports of long commutes as crews worked to clear the scene. “It’s a tough job, digging through all that debris,” Bui explained. “We need a special truck to handle the cleanup.”

Also on Monday, Santa Clara County Parks officials announced pile burns at Almaden Quicksilver County Park, starting at 10 a.m. These burns, coordinated with Cal Fire and SCCFD, are part of a larger vegetation management effort. County Parks advised the public not to call 911 if they saw smoke in the area, as the burns were a planned safety measure to protect local communities and natural resources.

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Layla Hango

Layla Hango is a dedicated author at The Chieftain Spear, where she delves into stories that highlight cultural richness, social issues, and community empowerment. With a passion for storytelling that inspires and informs, Layla brings a fresh perspective to her writing. Her work resonates with readers seeking meaningful dialogue and a deeper understanding of diverse experiences. Through her articles, Layla aims to spark positive change and celebrate the strength of collective voices.

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