Car hauler catches fire, closes westbound I-70 ramp in Boone County Saturday night

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A large vehicle fire blocked traffic from using an I-70 on-ramp in Boone County on Saturday night.

Boone County Fire crews were called to the Rocheport westbound on-ramp at mile marker 115 around 11 p.m. and found a car hauler carrying about seven cars had caught fire, according to Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Chuck Doss. He said the trailer was "well involved" in flames when firefighters arrived.

After the fire was under control, crews were able to gain access to the vehicles and move a Chevrolet Equinox that appeared to have no damage off the carrier.

"So really, we've got seven car fires going," Doss said. "The six on the trailer, plus the semi."

Doss added that the multi-level carrier made fighting the fire difficult, with cars on both levels catching fire.

"Having those vehicles elevated, we had to get ladders to get to the top of those, and with those car fires, the vehicles burning on that top level, getting access to it was a challenge," Doss said.

In a Boone County Joint Communications alert sent around 11:15 p.m., drivers were asked to avoid the area. Doss said no drivers were able to get on I-70 from Route BB as crews worked the scene.

An ABC 17 News reporter on scene saw heavy fire and smoke coming from the hauler around 11:30 p.m. Tires could be heard popping. No injuries were reported, according to Doss.

At least five Missouri State Highway Patrol vehicles were seen, alongside Boone County Fire trucks and an MU Health Care ambulance. A MoDOT vehicle was also at the scene.

Three BCFPD tankers drove back and forth, carrying water from a hydrant down the road to the scene, Doss said.

ABC 17 News is at the scene working to learn more.

Check back for updates.