Earlier this week drivers faced detours and delays when traveling to Winnipeg from Portage. Now motorists are seeing something similar to the west of Brandon on the Trans-Canada Highway, however this time it should be short-lived.

Delays have been reported on Highway 1 near Alexander due to a vehicle fire on Thursday morning.

According to a post by the Manitoba RCMP on X, officers from the Souris and Brandon detachments responded to a semi truck fire that occurred west of Alexander in the RM of Whitehead.

The semi truck was traveling east when it caught fire, but the driver escaped without injury.

Photos from the incident show the smoking remains of the truck and what appear to be burned hay bales.

The province has announced that the westbound lanes of Highway 1 between PR 250 and Speers Road are closed, with detours in place.

The RCMP advises drivers to expect delays and avoid the area if possible.

semi fire