A large fire has closed the 401 freeway east of Oshawa

Highway 401 is closed in both directions east of Oshawa in Clarington due to a large fire that sent smoke over the highway.

Passersby began sharing images of thick smoke coming from the scene around 6:30 p.m

Durham Police confirmed crews responded to a fire at Courtice Court, in the area of ​​Courtice Road and Baseline Road West.

It is still unclear what exactly is burning and how the fire started. Police said a media official would provide further details later in the evening.

So far, there is no information about possible injuries.

Highway 401 is closed in both directions between Harmony Road in Oshawa and Highway 418 due to the fire, Ontario Provincial Police said in a tweet. The southbound lanes of Interstate 418 are also closed between Interstate 2 and Interstate 401.

It’s unclear how long the closure will last.