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

Sound Transit light rail lake washington...

Jillian Raftery

Sound Transit has a dead fish problem

Thousands of fish have been found dead in Lake Washington, possibly electrocuted by equipment from the new Crosslake light rail system.

1 day ago

Woodinville speed cameras...

Lexi Herda, KIRO 7 News

Speed cameras are up in these Woodinville school zones

Woodinville has added speed cameras near certain school zones to encourage safer driving and protect students.

1 day ago

2 seattle traffic labor day...

Ted Buehner

Seattle is the No. 1 Labor Day destination in the U.S. Here’s what travelers need to know

As the summer season wraps up, AAA reports well over 100 million people are expected to travel during the Labor Day holiday weekend.

2 days ago

Washington State Ferry San Juan Island cancelled...

Nate Connors

Record summer for Washington ferries caps off with 400K expected over Labor Day weekend

It was a banner summer season for ferry passengers, recording 7 million riders between Memorial Day weekend and the end of August.

2 days ago

Bellevue crash...

MyNorthwest Staff

I-405 south in Bellevue cleared following crash

Four lanes are blocked on I-405 south in Bellevue due to a collision.

2 days ago

Light rail Pinehurst Station Sound Transit...

Lexi Herda, KIRO 7 News

Sound Transit announces opening date for Link light rail’s Pinehurst Station

Sound Transit announces opening date for Link light rail’s Pinehurst Station

2 days ago

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