Drivers said a truck carrying industrial lithium-ion batteries caught fire, stranding them for hours on the winding Interstate 15 Freeway that runs from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.
Authorities closed northbound lanes after the fire was first reported by the Baker County Fire Department around 6 a.m. Friday. Firefighters said they had difficulty putting out the blaze due to lithium-ion batteries in the truck, making it impossible to contain hazardous chemicals and smoke.
“Because these are lithium-ion batteries, you cannot pour water on the fire and the battery will have to burn out naturally,” the San Bernardino County Fire Department said. The department later added that “lithium-ion battery fires are particularly dangerous due to the chemicals they release when outgassing and the potential for thermal runaway. Thermal runaway can cause the fire to spread quickly and release toxic gases, so they must be treated with extreme caution.”
In addition to the hazardous materials fire, officials said they were unable to move 75,000-pound containers off the highway, preventing all lanes of the 15 Freeway from reopening, causing miles of backlogs for drivers. Temperatures in the desert reached triple digits, sparking 911 calls from drivers stuck in traffic on the freeway and experiencing heatstroke emergencies.
San Bernardino County Fire Department
Just after 10 a.m. Saturday, more than a day after the initial blaze was first reported, authorities said firefighters were still struggling to put out the blaze. Hours later in the afternoon, the California Highway Patrol station in Barstow said the situation was still ongoing and the highway would not fully reopen.
“Responsives on scene are still assessing the situation and considering options,” California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials said in a statement. “The situation and fire remain volatile. Previously anticipated lane reopening times will not be achievable.”
The I-15 freeway is known as the interstate highway that connects Southern California with Las Vegas, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties. It was partially closed for the first time on Friday, with officials warning drivers stuck in traffic along the road of dangerously high temperatures, with temperatures reaching nearly 110 degrees.
County officials said ambulances and emergency personnel were being sent to help and were also providing water to people stranded on the highway.
“Water is being provided at this location for motorists who are stranded without water due to heat or mechanical issues with their vehicles,” the county fire marshal’s office said in a news statement.
The department said it was “proactively addressing the needs of motorists who are without water or experiencing other issues” and urged drivers to take alternative routes.
County fire officials said they are doing all they can.
“The primary concern is air quality due to the hazardous substances and chemicals involved,” it said, adding that authorities were monitoring the air for hydrogen cyanide, chlorine and sulfur dioxide. “These chemicals pose significant health risks in high concentrations, but hydrogen cyanide and chlorine are particularly dangerous even at lower concentrations.”
“We apologize for any inconvenience, but everything being done at this time is being done in the interest of public safety,” the San Bernardino County Fire Department said in a statement. “Given where this incident occurred, it is fair to say there are very few alternate routes available.”
Authorities said multiple agencies were working to remove the burning hazardous materials so lanes could be opened.
“Northbound lanes remain closed and the estimated time they will reopen is unknown,” the California Highway Patrol said.
