A bus fire on Monday morning temporarily blocked the northbound off-ramp to Alexander Avenue in Fife. The fire was attributed to brake failure, which caused the brakes to overheat and ignite. Fortunately, the driver was unharmed and managed to escape safely. The Tacoma Fire Department responded quickly to extinguish the flames and secure the area. Fife Police confirmed that the bus was not a school bus, alleviating concerns about the safety of students.

The Washington State Department of Transportation later announced that the off-ramp has reopened. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular vehicle maintenance to prevent such emergencies. Additionally, the timely communication from local authorities kept the community informed and safe during the event, reflecting effective emergency management.