Two fires on major Huntingdonshire roads cause delays

Two fires involving vehicles have caused delays for motorists in Huntingdonshire this afternoon.

Police say the A1(M) southbound at Alconbury remains shut due to a lorry fire.

Fire crews were called at about 1.42pm to the lorry, which had been carrying scrap metal, and was in the hard shoulder.

A Cambs Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said at least 20 firefighters were sent to the scene, between Sawtry and Alconbury. She added: “The cab of an articulated lorry was well alight and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels to extinguish it by 2.13pm.

“Police closed the road while the incident was being dealt with as smoke was affecting both carriageways.”

A police spokesman said and the driver was safely out. “It appears the road is still closed,” he added.

Earlier, on the A14 at Fenstanton at 12.13pm, a car on fire in a layby caused lengthy tailbacks for drivers heading westbound, with queues in the opposite direction as well as traffic slowed past the scene.

The fire service spokesman said: “Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel to extinguish the fire. The road was closed by police while the incident was dealt with.

“Crews returned to their stations by 1.40pm.”