Strong winds helped fire spread quickly; highway briefly closed due to heavy smoke

KENORA — Ontario Provincial Police say a tractor unit was fully engulfed in flames Wednesday afternoon on Highway 17 near Bee Lake in the City of Kenora.

Kenora OPP responded to the report at about 2:30 p.m. on March 4, 2026. Police say the driver was able to exit safelyand was not injured.

According to OPP, strong winds contributed to how quickly the fire spread, resulting in the tractor unit being fully consumed. The trailer was carrying styrofoam, but it did not ignite.

The Machin Fire Department attended and extinguished the fire before it spread to the trailer.

Highway closure due to smoke

Police say heavy black smoke created a visibility hazard, prompting the temporary closure of both eastbound and westbound lanes of Highway 17. The highway has since reopened.

OPP report no foul play is suspected and thanked motorists for their patience and cooperation during the closure.