There were some scary moments on the Richmond San Rafael Bridge Thursday morning when a big rig caught fire on the lower deck.
Thick, black smoke from the fire spilled out from the bridge and could be seen for miles just after 10 a.m.
Traffic was stopped for a time on the lower deck, but resumed in the far left lane after about 40 minutes. Caltrans declared a SIG alert.
The back up remained long after the flames were out. Caltrans is recommending drivers avoid the area if possible Thursday morning.
There were no injuries, but the cab of the big rig was destroyed. It was not clear what sparked the fire.
There are reports that the driver was carrying wine, which was not damaged. So although the front cab was destroyed, if there was any cab in the back - it is safe.
The Richmond San Rafael is the bridge that is just north of San Quentin Prison and straddles the San Francisco Bay.
Our reporter Jodi Hernandez took this photo from 101 in San Rafael.
