Cookeville, TN- A tractor-trailer was traveling east on Interstate 40 when the driver smelled something burning. He pulled onto the eastbound shoulder, exited the vehicle, and raised the hood. The engine compartment was ablaze when the hood was raised. The trailer was loaded with aerosol spray cans of sunblock. The fire spread to the trailer and load which ultimately spread to the grassy medians on the east and west sides of the interstate. The Putnam County fire department responded where they were able to gain control and extinguish the fire.

Interstate 40 closed both east and west for 30 minutes and east for around 2 hours.

Heavy fire conditions and the load being carried resulted in the vehicle being completely destroyed.

The driver, a 52-year-old male from New York,  did not have any injuries.