An 18-wheeler caught fire Wednesday on U.S. Highway 280 East just past Lee Road 183 in the Salem community of Lee County.
According to officials, the driver was able to disconnect the cab from the trailer before the fire spread. The fire involved only the trailer, and the driver was not injured.
Heavy smoke and flames could be seen rising from the area as emergency crews responded to the scene. The Smiths Station and Salem fire departments responded, along with the Lee County Emergency Management Agency, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and EAMC Emergency Medical Services.
The 18-wheeler was hauling paper products.
The fire caused significant traffic congestion, with traffic backed up for miles along U.S. Highway 280.
As crews continue working at the scene, officials are using one westbound lane as an eastbound lane to detour traffic around the incident.
Drivers traveling through the area are urged to use caution, expect significant delays and consider taking an alternate route while emergency crews work to clear the scene.
