Interstate 15 Reopens After Big Rig Fire Involving Lithium Batteries Causes Closure

(Photo: San Bernardino County Fire)

CBS News Los Angeles reports Interstate 15 is open again after a big rig fire shut it down for 48 hours. The accident involved a truck carrying lithium batteries, which caught fire and created a hazardous situation.

What Happened

On Friday morning, a truck overturned near the Afton Road exit between Barstow and Baker in San Bernardino County. The truck was carrying lithium batteries, which caught fire. This led to a chemical hazard. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) closed all northbound lanes to handle the situation safely.

Challenges of the Remote Location

The crash site was in a remote desert area. This made it hard for emergency responders to get there. They had to transport equipment, people, and water over long distances. The San Bernardino County Fire Department said, “One of the significant challenges in this remote area is the logistics of transporting equipment, personnel, and water to the scene.”

Hazardous Materials and Air Quality

Lithium-ion fires are very dangerous because they release toxic chemicals. The fire department said, “Due to the lithium-ion, water cannot be added to the fire, the batteries must burn out on their own.” The fire emitted harmful gases like hydrogen cyanide, chlorine, and sulfur dioxide. These chemicals can be dangerous even in small amounts. Air quality was monitored to keep people safe.

Traffic and Public Reaction

The freeway closure caused huge traffic jams. Many cars were stuck in the desert heat, with temperatures reaching up to 110 degrees. Drivers took alternate routes like the 40 Freeway, which also became crowded. People complained on social media about the traffic. Some cars overheated or ran out of gas.

Emergency services sent ambulances and provided water to those stuck in traffic. The CHP and fire department tried several times to move the truck’s hazardous container, which weighed over 75,000 pounds. These efforts were initially unsuccessful.

Resolution and Reopening

Despite the challenges, crews worked hard to solve the problem. By Saturday evening, the fire was put out, although the truck was still smoldering. The CHP announced that all lanes were reopened by early Sunday morning. They said, “Crews have worked non-stop through the night to carefully move the hazardous materials container a safe distance away from the roadway.”

Safety Precautions and Future Steps

Authorities asked drivers to be careful and take all necessary safety measures as they resumed their travels. The incident showed the need for better emergency response plans for hazardous materials in remote areas.