LODGEPOLE - The eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 were closed from Sidney to Lodgepole Saturday evening because of a fire in the rear of a semi trailer. 

Cheyenne County Sheriff Adam Frerichs says the fire started because of a mechanical failure. The semi-tractor driver noticed the flames, pulled over to the shoulder of the road near Lodgepole and attempted putting it out with a fire extinguisher. 

The driver was able to save his semi-tractor by disconnecting it from the trailer. The trailer is considered a total loss.

The Nebraska State Patrol and fire departments from Sidney and Lodgepole responded to the scene.