An eighteen-wheeler fire temporarily shut down both northbound lanes of Interstate 49 near mile marker 127 in Natchitoches Parish before traffic was restored later that evening.

According to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies and personnel with Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District No. 5 responded to the commercial vehicle fire on Oct. 19 at approximately 9:50 p.m.

The driver was reportedly out of the vehicle, and no injuries were reported. The truck was reportedly transporting aluminum.

At approximately 10 p.m., deputies reported that both northbound lanes of I-49 had been closed due to the incident.

By 10:13 p.m., one northbound lane had reopened to traffic.

Louisiana State Police responded to the scene, and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development was contacted.

Motorists traveling through the area were advised to use caution, avoid distractions and expect possible delays while emergency personnel worked at the scene.

At 11:31 p.m., the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office issued an update confirming that all lanes had reopened to traffic.

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