M5 and A38 Closed After Major Fire Outbreak

Devon police closed the M5 motorway and the A38 road on Thursday following a large fire that broke out near the junction of the two routes, according to reports from Devon Live. Emergency services responded to the blaze, which forced the closure of major arterial links to manage traffic and ensure public safety.

Why were the M5 and A38 closed?

Authorities shut the M5 and A38 after a “huge fire” ignited in the vicinity of the road network, Devon Live reported. The closure was implemented by police to prevent motorists from entering the affected area and to allow fire crews unobstructed access to the site. The scale of the smoke and flame necessitated the immediate diversion of traffic away from the junction.

What is the current status of the roads?

Police maintained closures on both the M5 and A38 as a precautionary measure while the fire was brought under control. Traffic was diverted onto alternative routes, causing significant delays for commuters and long-distance travelers. Local authorities advised drivers to avoid the area entirely until the scene was declared safe for reopening.

How is the emergency response being managed?

Fire crews were dispatched to the scene to combat the blaze. According to Devon Live, the operation involved coordinating police traffic management with active firefighting efforts. The primary objective for responders was the containment of the fire to prevent it from spreading further across the landscape or impacting the structural integrity of the highway.

Police have not yet provided a specific timeline for when all lanes will reopen to the public.