I-5 northbound in Portland closed through Tuesday after trailer carrying propane tanks catches on fire

A trailer with about 120 propane tanks caught fire around 4:48 a.m. near the Swan Island exit, on the northbound side of the freeway, according to Portland Fire & Rescue. I-5 was closed in both directions before the southbound lanes reopened after 6 a.m.

There was no vehicle or tractor attached to the trailer when firefighters arrived on scene, Rick Graves with Portland Fire said. He added that Portland Fire has had no contact with the driver.

"There definitely was some exploding canisters that are no longer a part of the solid pile that's (the) remainder of the trailer," Graves said. "There was explosions occurring. Could be quite a significant danger to rescuers as well as spectators or observers on scene."

Graves described the propane tanks as the kind used for backyard grills or patio heaters.

The vehicle was fully engulfed for about 30 minutes before crews began dosing it in water. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire.

No injuries were reported, according to Graves.

It's unclear exactly what caused the propane tanks to catch on fire.

Detectives with the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) are investigating. The agency has no reason to believe the fire was intentionally set,