BREAKING: High winds, field fire close I-74

Illinois State Police shut down interstate after field fire

High winds caused a semi to overturn, starting a field fire that closed Interstate 74 near Champaign, Illinois, on Thursday afternoon.

The fire started around 1:30 p.m. when a semi overturned on I-74 westbound near the exit for Illinois Route 150, according to Illinois State Police. The semi was carrying rolls of paper, which caught fire and spread to a nearby field.

High winds fanned the flames, causing the fire to grow quickly. Firefighters from several departments responded to the scene and worked to contain the blaze.

Interstate closed for several hours

The fire caused I-74 to be closed in both directions for several hours. Traffic was backed up for miles in both directions.

The westbound lanes of I-74 reopened around 5:30 p.m., but the eastbound lanes remained closed as of 6:30 p.m.

No injuries reported

No injuries have been reported in connection with the fire.

The cause of the semi crash is under investigation.