A tractor-trailer caught fire on the Outer Loop of I-285 on Tuesday, shutting down all southbound lanes at times.

The fire, believed to be caused by a mechanical issue, caused severe delays on the Perimeter at about noon, Atlanta Fire Rescue spokesman Sgt. Cortez Stafford told AJC.com.

The fire was just past Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway and north of I-20.

“Because it was such a large fire,” Stafford said, all lanes in both directions had to be closed at times. The lanes were reopened several hours later.

No injuries were reported, Stafford said.

Traffic cameras showed heavy black smoke coming from the tractor-trailer.

In other news:

Video shows the encounter late Monday night at a Gwinnett County gas station.

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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez