A loud explosion and subsequent fire on the north side of the Stanislaus River Bridge heading into Oakdale shut down the span late Sunday night.

Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection units and Oakdale Police Department personnel responded to the scene about 9:45 p.m., after a fire broke out near the bridge.

Law enforcement personnel on scene said it was believed the fire was started by fireworks, which also could have accounted for the loud booming noise heard by many in the area.

Authorities said there were no injuries reported and no structural damage.

Northbound traffic was detoured into the shopping center and fire crews worked on the other side of the span to douse the flames and look for any hot spots. Southbound traffic on Highway 120 was not allowed on the bridge, detoured at the River and Rodden road intersection.

Look for additional information in the Sept. 26 issue of The Leader.