Garbage Truck Fire Blocked West Seattle Ramp

A vehicle fire on the West Seattle Bridge has caused significant traffic congestion for commuters.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Emergency Response

Scorched debris from a vehicle fire rests on a wet bridge lane in Seattle, cordoned off by orange traffic cones. — A garbage truck fire on the West Seattle Bridge forced the closure of the northbound I-5 exit ramp on September 21, 2026, causing major traffic delays. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A garbage truck caught fire in the median on the West Seattle Bridge on September 21, 2026. The incident resulted in the full closure of the northbound I-5 exit ramp to West Seattle.

Why it matters

The closure of a primary exit ramp in a high-traffic corridor is causing widespread delays throughout the Seattle area. Local transit infrastructure remains under pressure as crews work to clear the wreckage.

The fire began at 12:40 p.m. with emergency personnel arriving 10 minutes later to block both lanes of the ramp. While the S Columbian Way off-ramp remains open, the main exit to West Seattle continues to be blocked for cleanup.

The details

Fire crews were forced to block both lanes of the ramp to safely extinguish the blaze and remove the disabled truck. The closure has disrupted regional traffic flow, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes through the city.

September 21, 2026, 12:40 p.m.: The garbage truck caught fire on the West Seattle Bridge.
September 21, 2026, 12:50 p.m.: Fire crews arrived and blocked the ramp lanes.

Seasonal Patterns

This incident follows a pattern set by the 2022 West Seattle Bridge reopening by demonstrating how quickly a single vehicle fire can disrupt the vital transit artery. Such disruptions remain a recurring challenge for city infrastructure management during peak traffic hours.

Motorists should avoid the northbound I-5 exit ramp to West Seattle and utilize the S Columbian Way off-ramp as an alternative route. Expect heavy delays throughout the area until the site is cleared and fully reopened to traffic.

The takeaway

Commuters should anticipate extended travel times and follow local traffic advisories until the ramp is cleared. Maintaining awareness of secondary routes is essential for navigating unexpected infrastructure closures in the city.