Semi-truck hauling hay bursts into flames while traveling on I-96 near Grand Rapids

Motorists traveling out in West Michigan were told to steer clear of a major freeway in Kent County after a tractor trailer loaded down with hay suddenly caught fire on Saturday morning.
Fire crews in Kent County at the scene of a hay fire off I-96 on Saturday morning Photo credit Michigan State Police

GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ) - Motorists traveling out in West Michigan were told to steer clear of a major freeway in Kent County after a tractor trailer loaded down with hay suddenly caught fire on Saturday morning.

Michigan State Police said troopers and multiple fire trucks were assisting at the scene after the hay fire was reported around 8:40 a.m. on the westbound lanes of I-96 and M-6, just east of the Gearld R. Ford International Airport.

No injuries were reported, MSP confirmed.

Troopers took to social media to ask drivers in the area to use caution when if approaching where I-96 meets with M-6, as firefighters worked to ensure any hotspots in the hay were extinguished.

According to Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), drivers were running into issues in the area with the right lane and right shoulder of the eastbound I-96 ramp to M-6 since 8:05 a.m.

At this time, the exact cause of the fire remains unclear. No other details were released by authorities.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Michigan State Police