Locals warned as M5 lorry fire continues to rage
The fire is still not out
Shannon Brown Reporter 15:24, 15 Oct 2025
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The M5 at Exeter following a huge lorry fire (Image: Devon and Cornwall Roads Policing Team )
Residents in Exeter have been warned to keep their windows closed after a lorry fire broke out on the motorway.
The M5 has been closed northbound[1] between junctions 30 and 29 after a lorry carrying electrical appliances and batteries burst into flames.
Firefighters have been at the scene since 11.30am on October 15 and are continuing to tackle the blaze.
National Highways reports delays of around two hours[2] on the M5[3], A30 and A38 at Exeter[4] as traffic diverts around the closure.
Witnesses have seen large clouds of smoke from the scene and fire crews remain in the area this afternoon.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue[5] Service has advised local residents to keep their windows and doors closed.
The fire service said: "Crews are in attendance at a fire which started in a trailer carrying small domestic appliances. M5 North has been closed and remains closed at this time.
"There are three fire engines in attendance, an aerial ladder platform and two water bowsers.
"Crews are using:
- Two Breathing apparatus
- Two CAFS jets
- Two triple extension ladder
"Local residents and businesses are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
"The Environment agency has been made aware.
This incident is ongoing."
Devon and Cornwall Police's Roads Policing Team said significant disruption is expected through Exeter "for the foreseeable".
National Highways said: "The M5 in Devon is closed northbound between J30 Sandygate Interchange (Exeter A379; Exmouth[6] A376; Sidmouth[7] (A3052); Exeter Services) and J29 Sowton Interchange ( Honiton[8] A30; Exeter Airport A3015).
"This is due to a lorry fire being dealt with by Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue.
Article continues below"Devon & Cornwall Police and National Highways Traffic Officers are also attending.
"Be aware that there are delays of 120 mins on the A38/A30/M5 approach to J30 with 6 miles of congestion."
References
- ^ The M5 has been closed northbound (www.devonlive.com)
- ^ National Highways reports delays of around two hours (www.devonlive.com)
- ^ the M5 (www.devonlive.com)
- ^ Exeter (www.devonlive.com)
- ^ Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue (www.devonlive.com)
- ^ Exmouth (www.devonlive.com)
- ^ Sidmouth (www.devonlive.com)
- ^ Honiton (www.devonlive.com)