A stubborn transport-trailer fire carrying a load of hay caused major traffic disruptions on Highway 401 east of Cobourg on Monday, keeping emergency crews on scene for more than eight hours before the highway was fully reopened.
The incident began at approximately 1:45 p.m. when members of the Cobourg Fire Department and Hamilton Township Fire Department were dispatched to a transport fire in the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 near the Grafton exit.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the rear portion of a flatbed trailer loaded with hay engulfed in flames. Hay and straw fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish due to their dense composition, which allows heat and embers to remain deep within the load even after the visible flames have been knocked down.
Firefighters worked continuously throughout the afternoon and evening, applying large volumes of water to the burning hay. Water had to be shuttled to the scene to maintain a steady supply as crews battled the stubborn blaze.
To assist firefighters, heavy equipment was brought in to remove the smouldering hay from the trailer, allowing crews to access hidden hot spots buried within the load. The operation required extensive coordination and significantly prolonged the duration of the incident.
Initially, one eastbound lane remained open to traffic, but safety concerns eventually forced the closure of all eastbound lanes while firefighters and heavy equipment operators worked alongside the highway.
The closure resulted in significant traffic congestion, with eastbound vehicles backed up for more than 10 kilometres past Cobourg. Police also received reports of some motorists attempting to bypass the traffic by driving off the Cobourg on-ramp.
After hours of firefighting, overhaul operations and debris removal, the fire was finally extinguished. Shortly after 9 p.m., crews cleared the scene and Highway 401 eastbound was fully reopened to traffic.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
