A car fire in the eastbound lane of Highway 20 near Mustang Lane impacted the busy roadway late Tuesday morning, Philomath Fire and Rescue reported.
The local fire agency responded to a report of a car fire at 11:07 a.m. Sept. 26 with an engine and its crew of three along with two officers.
“Passersby were able to stop and use a fire extinguisher to attempt to put out the fire,” Philomath Fire and Rescue Deputy Fire Chief Rich Saalsaa said. “The engine crew used a penetrating nozzle to reach the seat of the fire and completely extinguish it.”
The Toyota Corolla’s driver was checked by Corvallis Fire ambulance personnel with apparent impacts from smoke and exposure to the extinguisher powder, Saalsaa said. The motorist refused any treatment and transport.
Saalsaa said the fire ignited in the wiring harness under the dash of the vehicle.
The highway was temporarily closed at times and reduced to one lane during most of the incident. Philomath Fire and Rescue sent a rescue unit equipped with a winch to help clear the car from the highway.
The Philomath Police Department and Benton County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene.