CHOKEPOINTS

Apple-hauling semi-truck catches fire on westbound I-90 near Cle Elum

Jun 4, 2026, 9:57 AM | Updated: 12:16 pm

Cle Elum truck fire I-90...

A photo of the clean-up effort on westbound I-90 in Cle Elum. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation)

(Photo courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation)

Westbound I-90 near Cle Elum has reopened after a semi-truck hauling a load of apples caught fire and shut down all lanes of the highway on Thursday.

The closure was first reported at 6:24 a.m., with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) noting the highway would remain closed for several more hours, WSDOT announced.

In total, the closure lasted roughly six hours before the roadway was reopened.

It remains unknown how the semi-truck caught fire. The truck appeared to have been hauling a load of apples, which can be seen strewn across the highway near the rubble.

Crews were previously mopping up debris and assessing the bridge for any damage. A hydraulic excavator was also sent to aid in the clean-up effort.

WSDOT advised travelers to take a detour along US 97 to avoid any delays.

Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here.

Chokepoints

corn I-5 semi-truck crash...

Frank Sumrall

Both ramps reopen after semi-truck crash spills corn across I-5 near JBLM

The southbound I-5 exit to Thorne Lane/JBLM has reopened after it was shut down early Thursday morning when a semi-truck carrying corn crashed into a ditch.

17 hours ago

US 2 road rage shooting...

KIRO 7 News Staff

State Patrol investigating possible road rage shooting on US 2

All eastbound lanes of US 2 at Homeacres Road in Everett were closed for several hours as WSP investigated a possible road rage shooting.

1 day ago

Hood Canal Bridge...

Chris Sullivan

Stuck after a Hood Canal Bridge opening? New traffic signal aims to help

A new traffic signal near the Hood Canal Bridge will create gaps in post-opening gridlock so trapped residents can get out of their neighborhoods.

1 day ago

Sound Transit budget deficit delays...

John Curley Show

‘Almost no accountability’: Transportation expert says Sound Transit is ‘building for the past’ amid ballooning budget

KIRO host John Curley, a longtime skeptic of public transportation and its ballooning costs, brought on Charles Prestrud to discuss where Sound Transit went wrong.

3 days ago

SR 202...

Chris Sullivan

SR 202 near Fall City to close this weekend for emergency river embankment repairs

Work is moving to SR 202 near Fall City this week, creating a 16-mile detour for people trying to get around the area.

3 days ago

SR 20...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Westbound SR 20 closed for a semi-truck off the road

According to Trooper Kelsey Harding, shortly before 6:30 p.m. Monday, a semi-truck went off the road on SR 20 just east of SR 9.

4 days ago

Apple-hauling semi-truck catches fire on westbound I-90 near Cle Elum