A tractor trailer is on fire on Highway 401 westbound between Veterans Memorial Parkway and Highbury Avenue, and it’s causing major backups.

The London Fire Department reported the blaze early Friday morning. Westbound lanes have been reduced so fire crews can work and tanker trucks can shuttle water to the scene.

Emergency crews are currently on scene working to put out the fire. The OPP is also there managing traffic and keeping the area safe.

If you’re heading westbound on the 401 through that stretch, expect serious delays. Take an alternate route if you can. The lane closures are necessary to give fire crews safe access to the truck.

This section of the 401 is one of London’s busiest corridors, so the reduced capacity is hitting hard during what would normally be morning commute hours.

How long will the lanes stay closed? Depends on how long it takes crews to fully extinguish the fire and clear the scene. Check traffic conditions before you head out if this is part of your usual route.