Tractor Trailer Fire Causes Traffic Backup On Southbound I-270

Authorities report no injuries.

Tractor Trailer Fire on SB I-270 at Dr. Perry Rd.  (Photos from Frederick County Fire & Rescue Services)

Urbana, Md (KM) There were no injuries reported, but there was a large traffic backup following a tractor trailer fire on southbound Interstate 270 on Wednesday morning.

Frederick County Fire and Rescue Services says just before 6:00 AM, personnel were dispatched to I-270 at Doctor Perry Road in Urbana for a commercial vehicle fire, and found a tractor trailer fully engulfed  in flames. A hazardous materials unit was called the scene, and the Maryland Department of the Environment was notified when product inside the trailer began leaking into an adjacent waterway.

Southbound I-270 was closed in  the Urbana area  while fire fighting operations took place. and traffic was diverted.

Fire fighters were able to use the hydrant at  Montgomery County Station 9 in Hyattstown to fill up with water.

The bulk of the fire was brought under control by  7:21 AM, but crews remained on the scene to put out the hot spots.

State Highway Administration personnel were also there to clean up the debris and remove the tractor trailer.

Fire and rescue units cleared the scene at around 12:16 PM, but I-270 southbound remained closed for a few more hours.

All southbound lanes were reopened later  in the afternoon.

By Kevin McManus