LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – An 18-wheeler caught fire Wednesday afternoon on I-10 westbound near Scott causing a back up in traffic.

According to the Scott Volunteer Fire Department, firefighters were called to a vehicle fire on I-10, west bound, at mile marker 97 on Wednesday afternoon just before 4 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found a semi-truck and box trailer on fire. After confirming that the truck was not carrying hazardous materials, firefighters were able to quickly bring tractor fire under control.

The trailer was loaded with pallets of coffee, so the firefighters couldn’t get to the fire in the front of the trailer. Firefighters had to climb on top of the trailer and cut the top off to slow the progress of the fire.

A wrecker moved the damaged tractor and trailer to the Scott exit ramp. On the exit ramp, firefighters were able to extinguish the fire as heavy equipment was utilized to unload the trailer.

Due to the amount of water needed, tankers from Duson and Carencro responded to provide water. As a result of the heat and amount of fire, Lafayette Fire Department responded to assist.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

While cutting an access point on the top of the trailer, two firefighters were engulfed in a large fireball, which came from inside the trailer. Their protective gear was heavily damaged, however, it did provide safety from sustaining any injury.

No civilians were injured as a result of the incident.