A tractor trailer caught fire earlier Tuesday morning outside of Forsyth, Georgia, causing a shutdown of southbound traffic.

It happened in Monroe County, Georgia at approximately 6:14 a.m. on Interstate 75 near mile marker 188.

According to WGXA, the semi truck was driving south on I-75 when it caught fire for unknown reasons and pulled to the shoulder.

The burning Vistar truck, a Colorado-based retail and office supply whole sale distributor, blocked all southbound lanes of traffic, causing it to back up for miles.

Drivers are strongly encouraged to avoid Interstate 75 if at all possible.

Georgia DOT expects some lanes to reopen before noon.

The name of the driver, or his current condition, has not been released.