Major fire brigade operation: Truck fire on A45 causes massive traffic jams!
On July 4, 2025, a truck carrying hay bales caught fire on the A45 near Gießen, which led to a large fire department operation and closures.

Major fire brigade operation: Truck fire on A45 causes massive traffic jams!
On July 4, 2025, a dramatic incident occurred on the A45 motorway between Gießen-Lützellinden and Wetzlar Süd. A truck loaded with bales of hay caught fire around 1:40 p.m., prompting a large-scale fire department operation. The driver of the vehicle suffered shock and was slightly injured, but was able to escape the situation largely unharmed. Fortunately, other people remained unharmed, as [Giessener Allgemeine](https://www.giessener- Allgemeine.de/giessen/feuer-brand-auf-a45-bei-giessen-lkw-mit-heuballen-faengt-93818161.html) reports.
The fire brigade was immediately there to fight the fire, which quickly spread to the adjacent embankment and a field. A dense cloud of smoke was visible for kilometers and the deployment of firefighters was of great importance in preventing the flames from spreading to larger areas. The emergency services worked to dismantle the hay bales to extinguish hidden embers, while ultimately also extinguishing the embankment and the adjacent field, as Blaulicht Gießen informs.
Traffic delays and closures
The motorway in the direction of Wetzlar had to be completely closed for the firefighting work because the fire brigade needed the entire width of the road. The backlog sometimes reached as far as Gambacher Kreuz. For many road users, this meant significant delays and diversions, further complicating the situation. Police said the closure is expected to remain in place until further notice as firefighting efforts are still underway.
The exact cause of the fire remains unclear for now and investigations are already underway. When it comes to fire events like this, it's important to keep an eye on the statistics. According to FeuerTrutz there are no comprehensive and uniform fire statistics in Germany. Nevertheless, the data collected can contribute to improving fire protection. Especially with regard to road safety, it is crucial to identify potential risks and take appropriate measures.
The incident shows once again how important a well-functioning firefighting system is and that there is always “something to do” to ensure safety on our roads.