A SERIOUS lorry fire that caused a motorway to be closed for 16 hours may have been caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette.

Thirty-five firefighters were needed after a lorry carrying 42 tonnes of hay on the M5 caught fire.

The M5 between junction 13 Stroud and 14 Thornbury was closed in both directions, causing widespread disruption.

Stewart Edgar, chief fire officer at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said that the incident could have been caused by someone throwing a cigarette out of their car window.

"It is unclear at this stage whether the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette from a passing vehicle.

"However, I would always urge all road users to dispose of cigarettes responsibly," he said.

Fire Control initially sent three fire engines and a water carrier, and this quickly scaled up to include a water carrier from Hereford & Worcester.

The Civil Protection Team organised a telehandler (forklift) and driver from Gloucestershire County Council highways department at Stroudwater to help out.

Highways England also provided a telehandler from Avonmouth.

A further two fire engines were requested for more personnel and the two water carriers were decanting and ferrying water to scene.

The appliances in attendance were from Stroud, Gloucester South, Wotton, Gloucester North and Cheltenham East.

The 35 firefighters handed over to Highways England at 9pm.