LENA, La. — A commercial vehicle fire has forced authorities to divert southbound traffic on Interstate 49 in Natchitoches Parish.
Emergency crews responded to the active scene near mile marker 110 near Lena shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday. The truck involved was carrying a load of paper.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies and Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District 1 are on the scene. Rapides Parish fire units from Taylor Hill are also responding to assist with the fire.
Deputies are diverting all southbound traffic off I-49 at the Chopin exit at mile marker 113. Drivers are being sent over to Louisiana Highway 1 at Chopin.
The sheriff's office advises motorists traveling this detour to use caution, noting a sharp curve as drivers prepare to cross the Cane River Bridge near the RoyOMartin plywood plant.
No injuries have been reported.