DENVER (KDVR) — A box truck fire on the Interstate 70 exit ramp to Colorado Highway 470 brought traffic to a standstill Monday afternoon, sending thick black smoke into the sky and forcing drivers to take evasive action.

A Clear Creek County deputy, who happened to be driving home, was the first on scene and described the incident. The truck burst into flames moments after he arrived.

"I noticed that there was a small flame at the back end of the box truck, at which time I double checked, made sure that nobody else was in the vehicle. I ran back to my patrol vehicle and grabbed a fire extinguisher," said Sgt. Imrie with the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office.

He went to put it out.

“Half of the box truck was engulfed in flames," said Imrie.

That forced Imrie to clear the area until f

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