       The Nebraska Department of Transportation says a truck fire closed Interstate 80 near Brule on Monday afternoon, backing up traffic as far as Ogallala and adding hours to the return home from the 4th of July holiday for many.
       The freeway was already limited to just 1 lane in each direction by road construction when the trailer of a semi caught fire around 3:00.
Witnesses reported the tractor and trailer were separated when firefighters from multiple agencies began dousing the burning wreck.
     The closure was announced at 3:07 with travelers detoured to Hwy 30 between Ogallala and Big Springs.
One driver told News Channel Nebraska that traffic was at a standstill at one point all the way back to Ogallala. Cause of the fire was not announced.