Large plumes of smoke are rising in the vicinity of Shasta Reservoir where a vehicle fire has forced the closure of Interstate 5 in both directions.
First reported just before 11:30 this morning, the blaze has grown to 20 acres in size. Units from the US Forest Service and Cal Fire are on scene.
Authorities said that sparks from an earlier vehicle fire some distance north ignited a load of hay being hauled by a big rig. The big rig eventually became fully engulfed in flames. The fire spread to nearby vegetation.
I-5 remains closed in both directions, with traffic being detoured via State Route 89, according to Cal Fire.
About six miles of roadway is closed at this time. Southbound traffic is being turned around at the O’Brien exit. Northbound traffic is being turned back at Fawndale, north of Redding.