A semi hauling 43,000 pounds of compressed shredded paper went up in flames on I-57 last night. Ashkum Fire with mutual aid from Gilman answered the call just after 11 pm.

The northbound lane of the interstate was closed down until 4:50 this morning. No injury was reported.

Ashkum Fire Chief Jeff Glenn said the burning trailer had been detached from the tractor when firemen arrived. An excavator was brought in to tear apart the bails of paper to allow the fire department to spread and soak down the burning debris.

94.1 WGFA