Hay Bale Fire on Semi-Truck Temporarily Shuts Down Eastbound I-694 in Brooklyn Park
BROOKLYN PARK, MINNESOTA - A load of hay bales caught fire on the back of a semi-truck trailer Tuesday afternoon, prompting an emergency response and forcing the closure of all eastbound I-694 lanes just to the east of the Zane Avenue bridge.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, troopers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 3:20 p.m. on July 8, 2025, after receiving reports of a vehicle fire on eastbound I-694. The driver, who noticed the fire, safely pulled the rig over onto the right shoulder, detached the truck from the trailer, and called for assistance. Upon arrival, crews confirmed a work fire on the trailer, which involved hay bales. Firefighters from the Brooklyn Park Fire Department worked to suppress the fire. At approximately 3:42 PM, the Maple Grove Fire Department was paged for mutual aid with a tanker. Around 3:50 PM, the Brooklyn Center Fire Department was also dispatched for a tanker or engine, along with personnel. North Ambulance was also called out to the scene for standby. Around 4:12 PM, another tanker was started from the Rogers Fire Department. At approximately 4:26 PM, the West Metro Fire Department was paged for mutual aid, and the Osseo Fire Department was requested to provide city coverage for Brooklyn Park. The fire was eventually successfully extinguished, and no injuries were reported.
As a precaution, all eastbound traffic lanes were closed, leaving only the left shoulder open for traffic. This caused significant delays throughout the afternoon and into the evening commute. Drivers in the area were advised to seek alternate routes or prepare for delays through the evening. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) assisted with traffic management and lane closures. At the same time, troopers remained on scene to oversee the response and initiate an investigation into the cause of the fire. Authorities stated that the affected lanes could remain closed until approximately 9:00 p.m. as crews worked to remove debris, inspect the road surface for any damage, and ensure the area is safe for travel. As of writing this article, just past 9 PM, it appears all lanes remained closed - except the left shoulder - and a few fire crews remained on the scene.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Further updates will be shared as the investigation continues.
Written By: Will Wight
