Smoke shuts down Rt. 100

POTTSTOWN >> Thick white smoke covered traffic on the Route 100 bridge Monday as firefighters battled a blaze in a large debris field below.

The fire broke out at about 11 a.m. closing traffic northbound on Route 100 for about two hours. Fire crews lowered hose lines to the ground below off the side of the bridge, which connects Pottstown and North Coventry. Because the flames were in a spot away from dry land, crews brought a boat in to help bring equipment.

Sources at the scene said the debris field, estimated to be about 10 feet high and 25 feet wide, floated down the Schuykill River and got stuck against one of the bridge’s pylons.

While investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fire, some speculated that the debris could have been lit intentionally or the fire sparked from a flicked cigarette.

Pottstown Fire Chief Richard Lengle could not be reached for comment.

PHOTOS BY TOM KELLY III — FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Above, firefighters battle a blaze at the base of the Route 100 bridge between Pottstown and North Coventry Monday. Heavy smoke drifted upwards, forcing authorities to close the northbound lanes for two hours. Right, Traffic drives through heavy smoke...