Delays due to lorry fire on M5 in Devon
The lorry was transporting domestic appliances
Last updated 15th Oct 2025
A lorry fire has closed part of the M5 in Devon and caused severe delays.
The fire broke out on the northbound carriageway of the M5 between junctions 30 and 29 in Exeter at around 11:36 this morning.
National Highways said the fire had now been extinguished and a complex recovery operation was taking place.
Devon and Cornwall Police, the fire service and Highways England remain at the scene and the M5 is closed Northbound between J30 Exeter and Junction 29 Honiton.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the lorry was carrying small domestic appliances.
In an update at 17:45 Police said the carriageway remained fully closed whilst the contents of the lorry is safely recovered.
The fire was declared a major incident by police due to the traffic disruption but police said it has since been stood done.
Inspector Jay Hawkes from Devon and Cornwall Police said: “It was declared as a major incident due to the disruption to traffic, but this has since been stood down.
“We are focusing on ensuring that the community is not at risk and re-opening the motorway. We are working in conjunction with other agencies to deal with the issue thoroughly, and swiftly.”
Police added that Exeter Services have reopened after being was closed for a time due to smoke spreading across the area from the scene of the fire.
Local residents and businesses are being advised by the emergency services to keep their windows and doors closed.
The fire service also said the Environment Agency had been notified.