Semi fire blocking southbound lanes on I-15 near Cedar City

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A semitrailer caught fire this afternoon on Interstate 15 near Cedar City and the smoke is so thick that traffic has been halted on southbound lanes, the Utah Highway Patrol says.

The cause of the fire, which was reported at 2:01 p.m., is unknown, UHP Sgt. Todd Royce said. He said the driver was able to separate the tractor from the rest of the vehicle so just the trailer is on fire.

The southbound lanes will be opened after the fire is knocked down and visibility improves, Royce said.

The Spectrum reported that the incident was several miles north of Cedar City, at mile post 64.