Firefighters battle multiple grass fires along Hwy 401 west of Port Hope

Firefighters have contained a series of small grass fires along the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 west of Port Hope.

Patches of flames and smoke were billowing across the highway from just outside Port Hope to Newtonville, first reported just before 3 p.m. on Monday afternoon.

1:01 Fires along Highway 401 believed to be deliberately lit

At least one right lane and shoulder was closed as crews move onto each scene – believed to be at least 15 separate fires from Wesleyville Road tp Toronto Road near Port Hope. Multiple firefighters from several area departments were on the scenes.

There are unconfirmed reports that a person driving a pickup truck was seen pulling over and smoke was billowing shortly after the vehicle left each stop.

OPP are reportedly searching for a vehicle, believing the fires might have been deliberately set.

Bee Lynn Bishop captured video as a passenger in a vehicle.

“All separate spots — totally weird,” she told CHEX News.

One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion.

The fires were reported contained just before 4 p.m.

More to come.