Vehicle fire on Highway 37 near Sears Point blocks lanes and hampers traffic

A vehicle fire on State Route 37 in Sonoma County disrupted east and westbound traffic for hours near Sears Point Friday morning, with delays expected to continue through the afternoon, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol said the pickup truck on fire was reported around 6:30 a.m. on eastbound Highway 37, just west of State Highway 121. KCBS Radio initially reported that the two lanes heading east were blocked as well as a westbound lane. One eastbound lane was reopened around 6:45 a.m.

KCBS Radio said the fire was put out around 7 a.m., but some of the van's metal melted into the center divider, forcing Caltrans crews to repair the divider and roadway.

It is not known what caused the fire or if there were any injuries.

Motorists have been advised to expect delays and take alternative routes to avoid the area. As of 10:30 a.m., eastbound traffic was still blocked on Lakeville Highway and westbound traffic was blocked beyond Cullinan Ranch.

Caltrans estimated the lanes wouldn't be reopened until 5 p.m.