PORT TOWNSEND — A car caught fire and blocked state Highway 20 just south of Engel Road for about 40 minutes, according to a news release from East Jefferson Fire and Rescue.

No one was injured Wednesday afternoon.

Firefighters were dispatched about 1 p.m. to milepost 7 on Highway 20 to a report that a vehicle was on fire and blocking traffic. They arrived 10 minutes later and found a well-involved fire just south of Engel Road, the press release stated.

Firefighters placed blocks against the vehicle’s wheels to prevent it from rolling down the hill and then the fire was extinguished, according to the press release.

The driver told firefighters he saw smoke coming from the vehicle’s center console before he lost all power, the press release said.

“As the vehicle slowed, from highway speeds, flames began coming from the engine compartment,” the press release stated. “The driver was able to get out of the vehicle safely and without harm.”

The fire district responded with one engine, one medic and a battalion chief.

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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached by email at brian.gawley@peninsuladailynews.com.