Metro Atlanta
Blown tire on semi may have sparked fire that blocked I-285, I-20, police say
Traffic was backed up for nearly 3 hours on the Perimeter and I-20’s east- and westbound ramps.
Traffic backs up after a vehicle fire on I-285 North at I-20 in DeKalb County on Thursday morning. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)
Updated Oct 9, 2025
A tractor-trailer went up in flames on I-285 North at I-20 in DeKalb County, causing nearly three hours of traffic headaches at the top of Thursday morning’s commute.
The incident happened around 4:30 a.m. and blocked all lanes on I-285 North and clogged I-20’s East and West exits to the Perimeter’s northbound lanes, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation. Road workers started opening lanes just before 8 a.m., but delays remained through late morning.
Major delays pile up along I-285 North at I-20 at the top of the morning commute Thursday. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)
DeKalb County police said a preliminary investigation suggests “the possibility the tractor-trailer blew a tire, which might have led to the fire.”
One person reported minor injuries, officials said, and no other vehicles were involved.
