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The incident took place around 10:25 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10, when the Fairfield Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a fire on the highway near Exit 19, in Fairfield, said the Fairfield Fire Department.
By the time firefighters arrived on the scene, the vehicle was fully ablaze in the center lane, the department said.
With the assistance of the State Police, traffic was closed for a period of time in the southbound direction, so responders could safely operate, they added.
Westport Police were called to assist after the driver fled the scene on foot.
Fairfield Fire Department Assistant Chief Erik Kalapir thanked those stuck in traffic for their patience: “Operations on the Interstate are always dangerous but never more than when it is dark and with limited visibility, due to smoke."
The incident is under investigation. There has been no word on whether the driver was apprehended.
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