Traffic backed up on Mitchell Freeway after firefighters rush to van on fire

Traffic is backed up on one of Perth’s busiest freeways after a van caught fire on Thursday afternoon.

A van caught alight on Mitchell Freeway northbound with the driver pulling over near the Reid Highway exit ramp.

The vehicle soon became fully engulfed in flames, with firefighters, police, and Main Roads incident response teams rushing to the scene at 2.15pm on Thursday.

A photo from Main Roads WA shows people standing on the side of the road, watching as the van burns.

The flames from the car caught nearby bushland on fire but the blaze has since been put out by firefighters.

The northbound exit ramp to Reid Highway is closed as firefighters continue to mop up the area.

Traffic on Mitchell Freeway is backed up to Karrinyup Road with Main Roads urging motorists to proceed with caution and consider exiting via Erindale Road or Warwick Road.

Heavy smoke also remains in the area.