A car burst into flames on a stretch of the hard shoulder causing the motorway to close.
The frightening incident happened yesterday afternoon near junction 21A on the M6 in Warrington.
Dramatic images show the car completely engulfed in flames as traffic was stopped.
Emergency services were alerted around 3pm and fire crews raced to the scene to find the car "already well alight".
The motorway was closed for a short time as crews in breathing apparatus tackled the blaze with a hose reel jet.
The owner is said to have escaped without suffering any injuries and the motorway was reopened a short time later.
Posting on the North West Motorway Police Facebook page, a spokesperson said: "Vehicle fire earlier today on the M6 at J21A #Warrington Southbound. No injuries to the owner.
"This is why the traffic was stopped for your own safety. Thanks for supporting us".
Cheshire Fire Service also reported one of their engines from Warrington was sent to the emergency.
A spokesperson said: "Firefighters were called following reports of a fire involving a car on the M6.
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"On arrival the crew found one car well alight.
"One firefighter wearing breathing apparatus used one hose reel jet to extinguish the flames.
"The motorway was closed for a short time but has since reopened."
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