Hay bales on the back of a flatbed semi-trailer caught fire as it was driving on the Perimeter Highway on Saturday, causing traffic chaos while firefighters tries to put out the blaze.

RCMP officers diverted traffic on the highway between Symington and Plessis roads.

Heavy winds fanned the flames and smoke hampered visibility in the area as firefighters worked to put out the fire.

Police say when the driver noticed the flames he detached the flatbed from the truck's cab and pulled off to the side of the road.