There has been disruption on the M5 after a lorry fire forced the closure of part of the road in Devon.

The fire started on the northbound side of the motorway between junctions 30 and 29 in Exeter at about 11:35 BST, said Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

National Highways said the lorry was transporting batteries and domestic appliances with nine miles (14.48km) of queues reported in the area, leading to 120 minutes worth of delays. A diversion was set up for motorists to use.

It had been declared a major incident but the fire service said the scene was now safe and lanes two and three would be reopened imminently.

National Highways said once inspection had taken place emergency resurfacing will be carried out overnight with lane one closed.

A spokesperson added delays were likely to remain and drivers were advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

The fire service said police had earlier declared a major incident due to “ongoing traffic disruption and smoke spread”.

Firefighters also issued a warning for residents and businesses near the scene to close their windows and doors due to the amount of smoke from the blaze.

National Highways said the contents of the lorry were being emptied onto the road surface to help firefighters while they battled the flames.

Exeter Services were closed for a short period while the incident was dealt with, but Devon County Council’s highways team said on X the site reopened just before 15:55.

Insp Jay Hawkes from Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We are focusing on ensuring that the community is not at risk and re-opening the motorway.

“We are working in conjunction with other agencies to deal with the issue thoroughly, and swiftly.”

A fire service spokesperson said the Environment Agency had been called out as a storm drain was near the fire.

“We would notify them due to the water run-off and potential contaminants from the fire if we haven’t been able to immediately prevent them from draining that way,” they said.

Public transport services were also disrupted as a result of the fire and bus company Stagecoach said the incident was causing congestion in Exeter.

It added Falcon services between Plymouth and Bristol were severely delayed.