The Nashville Fire Department (NFD) received reports of the fire at approximately 2:20 p.m. near Mile Marker 204, close to White Bridge Road. NFD crews quickly responded to the scene to fully extinguish the fire and ensure the safety of motorists in the area.

To contain the potential hazards, NFD crews carried out the decontamination process and confirmed that no readings were found indicating any levels of any hazards present. The hazardous material was identified as low-grade radioactive waste, which was safely isolated within its packaging, eliminating any potential threat to the immediate surroundings.

As a result of the incident, traffic congestion rapidly built up, causing significant delays for commuters. Eastbound lanes of I-40 were reopened to ease the flow of traffic, and NFD crews successfully mitigated the immediate threat, allowing for the reopening of the eastbound lanes between Exit 201 and 204. However, the westbound lanes remained closed for an extended period of time as authorities continued to respond to the situation.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) established a command post to investigate the incident further and determine the cause of the fire. They worked in collaboration with the NFD, Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. Their joint efforts ensured the safety of the public and helped in assessing and resolving the situation.

Despite the alarming nature of the incident, no injuries have been reported at this time. The Nashville Fire Department's prompt response and effective handling of the situation played a vital role in preventing any potential harm to individuals or the environment.

As of 5:30 p.m., westbound traffic on I-40 has been reopened, allowing for the resumption of normal traffic flow. The NFD and other relevant agencies have now relinquished control of the scene to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), the THP, and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the highest safety standards when transporting hazardous materials and the effectiveness of emergency response services in dealing with such situations.