BISMARCK, N.D. (AP Oct 15, 2012) – A southbound stretch of Interstate 29 in southeastern North Dakota was closed for more than two hours Monday after a camper being pulled on the highway caught fire.

Authorities say the driver of a pickup pulling the camper was initially not aware that the camper had ignited and was spreading burning debris that caused a grass fire in the highway ditches. Southbound traffic on the interstate was diverted to a county road because of heavy smoke that reduced visibility.

The pickup was driven by 28-year-old Houston M. Hook of Lumberton, Miss. The camper was a total loss.

Authorities say a vehicle driven by 69-year-old William Hrdlicka of Hankinson, N.D, struck a Richland County Sheriff’s Office patrol car parked on the highway. No one was hurt in the crash.