A semi truck carrying a load of bananas caught fire on Interstate 5 near the California border Thursday afternoon, less than one mile away from the site of a similar incident nearly one month ago.

The trailer's tires began to smoke near exit 11 into Ashland, ODOT spokesman Gary Leaming said. When the driver noticed, he pulled over and detached it from the truck.

The tires caught fire soon after. Fortunately, Leaming said, most of the cargo came out unscathed.

A load of tropical fruits on board a truck July 13 wasn't so lucky. Back then, a banana truck caught fire near milepost 11, less than a mile away from Thursday's incident. That time, the entire load was lost.

I-5, MP 10, S of #Ashland. NB fast lane open after a semi hauling bananas caught fire. Expect delays/watch for crews pic.twitter.com/wdrFDfEl1T — Oregon DOT (@OregonDOT) July 14, 2016

--Eder Campuzano

503.221.4344

@edercampuzano

ecampuzano@oregonian.com