Motorists face chaos on a major motorway with a stretch shut due to grass catching fire on the central reservation and embankment.
Police have had to close the M5 and A38 near Exeter with witnesses saying they could see grass alight at around 2.20pm today.
Traffic and travel website Inrix said: “A38 Devon Expressway in both directions closed, queueing traffic due to serious fire from M5 J31 (Okehampton turn off, Exminster) to A379 ( Kennford , Kennford).”
And there are delays of an hour in the West Midlands with the M5 closed northbound between J5 (Droitwich) and J4a (M42) because of a collision involving a lorry where there has been a large diesel spill.
New UpdatesView PostView PostView PostView PostToday16:51 BST
National Highways says that the M5 in the West Midlands remains closed with delays of an hour after a collision.
It states: “The #M5 remains closed northbound between J5 (#Droitwich) and J4a (#M42) because of a collision. Traffic caught in the closure is being run past the scene in lane 2.
“There are currently delays of up to 60 minutes.”
Tim HanlonToday16:20 BST
A person stuck in traffic on the M5 says she has been stuck for nearly 30 minutes and “getting nowhere fast”.
She wrote on Facebook: “Anyone travelling northbound on M5 please allow extra time. We have been stuck around Kennford for nearly 30 mins so far and getting nowhere fast!
“Police and Fire Engines everywhere, but cant see anything yet. Believe to be a fire on a grass verge Ems tells me.
“Just allow plenty of time . . . Currently now at junction to Marsh Barton off A38/M5 at a stand still.”
Tim HanlonToday16:05 BST
National Highways says that the M5 is closed northbound in the West Midlands due to a large diesel spill following a crash.
The agency states: “The #M5 is closed northbound between J5 (#Droitwich) and J4a (#M42) following a collision, resulting in a large diesel spill covering all lanes.
“Emergency services are on scene. There are currently delays of up to 45 minutes above normal journey time.”
Tim Hanlon
Today15:58 BST
National Highways has said that there are grass fires at two locations on the A38.
Responding to an enquiry about why traffic was stationary on the road, National Highways replied on X: There is a grass fire in 2 locations on the A38 which caused Police to stop traffic.
“The southbound side has now been released. We will issue an update shortly. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any timeframes for this currently.”
Smoke can be seen rising from the grass fires(Image: Paul Greaves/DevonLive)
A map shows the roads affected near Exeter following a fire which is causing major delays for motorists.
Roads affected near Exeter(Image: Paul Greaves/DevonLive)
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Emergency services are currently in attendance at a fire in fields close to the A38 at Kennford after being called at around 2.20pm on Friday 3 July.
“Local road closures have been put in place in the area. More updates when we have them.”
Tim Hanlon
Today15:39 BST
Another eye witness has told Devon Live the A38 has been shut and police were on the scene.
They added that they saw three fire engines heading towards the scene and another one parked on the carriage heading in the Newton Abott.
They added: “It looks like the whole field behind the bank is on fire. There’s also loads of little fires in the central reservation”
Tim HanlonToday15:39 BST
Traffic and travel website Inrix said: “A38 Devon Expressway in both directions closed, queueing traffic due to serious fire from M5 J31 (Okehampton turn off, Exminster) to A379 ( Kennford , Kennford).”
Tim HanlonToday15:39 BST
A spokesperson for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has says: “10 pumps at the scene now and southbound traffic has been stopped by the police. The fire has spread to an adjacent field.”