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An encampment on Mercer St and Fairview Ave N caught fire Monday afternoon and caused all eastbound lanes to be shut down for a time.

The flames shot high into the air, along with thick black smoke, that forced the closure of the Mercer Street on-ramps to I-5 at the height of the afternoon commute.

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Encampment fire on Mercer St and Fairview Ave N blocking all EB lanes. Use alternative routes and avoid the area.

— SDOT Traffic (@SDOTtraffic)

Seattle Fire had the flames knocked down in less than an hour.

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A 46-year-old man was taken into custody on suspicion of reckless burning charges.