TWO lanes have been closed on the M6 southbound following a lorry fire. 

The section of the M6 has been closed between Junction 40 at Penrith and Junction 39 at Shap following a lorry fire in the early afternoon on Wednesday, August 21. 

National Highways and Cumbria Fire and Rescue attended the scene of the fire on the motorway, which has caused five miles of congestion, stretching back to Junction 41 and an approximate one-hour delay. 

Following the incident, National Highways posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that a 'complex recovery' was taking place. 

Posting just after 4pm they said: "A complex recovery and clear-up operation has been ongoing throughout the afternoon.

"There's still an hour delay on approach with five miles of congestion."