A semi-truck became fully engulfed in flames, sparking a small brush fire and shutting down Route 47 near Woodstock for an extended period Thursday, authorities said.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District responded around 2:04 p.m. Thursday to the intersection of Route 47 and Charles Road in unincorporated Woodstock for a report of a semi-truck on fire.
Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Communication Specialist Alex Vucha said the semi-truck was hauling salt and traveling southbound on Route 47.
The male driver noticed his truck was on fire and called 911.
He safely pulled over and attempted to extinguish the rapidly spreading fire but was unsuccessful, Vucha said.
Firefighters arrived within five minutes and located a fully engulfed truck along the roadway just south of the intersection.
Vucha said a hose line was quickly deployed and the fire was extinguished within 10 minutes.
A small brush fire extended from the truck but was quickly extinguished by firefighters.
The male driver was uninjured in the incident.
Route 47 was closed in both directions for two hours to allow for fire operations, cleanup and removal of the vehicle.
Vucha said the fire is believed to have begun in the engine compartment but the cause is undetermined.
McHenry County sheriff’s deputies assisted at the scene and also provided traffic control.