Firefighters respond to vehicle fire on I-185 southbound

Vehicle Fire on I-185 Southbound Snarls Traffic, No Injuries Reported

COLUMBUS, Ga., June 27, 2025 – A vehicle fire on Interstate 185 southbound brought traffic to a standstill during the late afternoon commute on Friday. Firefighters responded swiftly to the scene, extinguishing the blaze and preventing any injuries.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m. near the Macon Road exit. According to officials, a mid-size SUV was traveling southbound when the driver noticed smoke billowing from under the hood. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the highway just as flames became visible.

The Columbus Fire and EMS Department were dispatched to the scene. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick, black smoke from miles away as fire crews worked to douse the flames that had fully engulfed the front of the vehicle.

“The engine compartment was heavily involved when our units arrived,” said Battalion Chief Michael Jones of the Columbus Fire Department. “Our crews did an excellent job of quickly knocking down the fire and preventing its spread.”

All southbound lanes of I-185 were temporarily closed to allow emergency personnel to work safely, causing significant traffic delays that backed up for several miles. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) issued a traffic alert, advising motorists to seek alternate routes. Northbound traffic was also slowed due to smoke and onlooker congestion.

The driver of the SUV, who has not been identified, escaped the vehicle unharmed before the fire intensified. No other vehicles were involved in the incident.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, though officials have stated that it appears to be mechanical in nature.

As of 6:15 p.m., the fire was completely extinguished, and the charred remains of the vehicle were being towed from the scene. One southbound lane has been reopened, but motorists are still advised to expect residual delays as the backlog of traffic clears.

The swift response from the Columbus Fire and EMS Department was crucial in managing the scene and ensuring the safety of all involved. Their efforts, combined with the cooperation of the Columbus Police Department in directing traffic, helped to prevent a more serious situation.