Traffic has been held while fire crews deal with the vehicle Pics: Highways England

Smoke has been sent billowing across the M6 at Preston after a major vehicle fire.

The motorway now has three lanes reopened northbound where the M6 meets the M55 at junction 32.

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Highways England has released pictures showing thick plumes of smoke and flames from a van on the central reservation.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service are at the scene.

Related: Aerial pictures show extent of van fire damage

The incident happened around 12noon on Saturday (28 May), closing the motorway completely for around 40 minutes.

Perfect. Just bloody perfect #M6 pic.twitter.com/MFDC4iTiMe

— Tom Dodd (@stokietom) May 28, 2016

Delays of an hour and a half stretching back to Junction 27 as holidaymakers head for Blackpool and the Lake District, and normal traffic conditions are not due until 2.45pm.

Related: Police helicopter pinpoints motorists using hard shoulder to escape delays

The motorway is expected to fully reopen between 3pm and 3.15pm. Roads around Barton, Broughton and Fulwood are severely congested as motorists attempt to find alternative routes.