A truck carrying industrial lithium-ion batteries snakes from Los Angeles to Las Vegas – leaving drivers stranded for hours on the 15 Freeway after it caught fire.
Authorities closed the northbound lanes after the fire was first reported by the county fire department near Baker around 6 a.m. Friday. Firefighters said they struggled to contain the blaze due to the truck’s lithium-ion batteries and were unable to contain the harmful chemicals and fumes.
“Because of lithium-ion, water cannot be added to a fire and the batteries will self-ignite,” according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department. “Lithium-ion fires are particularly dangerous because of the chemicals released during outgassing and the potential for thermal runaway,” the department later said. “Thermal runway fires can cause rapid spread and release of toxic gases, so the situation needs to be handled with extreme caution.”
In addition to the hazmat fire, the 75,000-pound container could not be moved off the highway, leaving all lanes of the 15 Freeway unable to reopen — causing miles of traffic for drivers. 911 calls came in from drivers experiencing heat-related emergencies while stuck in traffic on the freeway due to triple-digit temperatures in the desert region.
San Bernardino County Fire Department
Firefighters were still struggling to make progress as of 10 a.m. Saturday, more than a day after first being reported, officials said. Hours later, in the late afternoon, the California Highway Patrol station in Barstow said the situation was still ongoing — and the freeway would not be fully reopened.
“Emergency crews on base are still assessing the situation and evaluating options,” CHP officials said. “The situation and the fire remain unstable. The expected time before the lanes are opened will not be achieved.”
The I-15 Freeway is known for connecting Southern California to Las Vegas and San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego counties. When it was first partially closed, on Friday, officials warned of dangerously high temperatures for drivers stuck in traffic on the side of the road. 110 degrees.
District officials said ambulances and paramedics were being sent for help and water was being brought to those stranded on the highway.
In this regard, the District Fire Department has said in a press release that: Water has been provided at this place to motorists who are suffering without water due to heat and vehicle engine failure.
“We are actively addressing the needs of motorists stranded without water and experiencing other problems,” the department said, advising motorists to take alternate routes.
District fire officials said they were doing everything they could.
“The primary concern is air quality due to hazardous materials and chemicals,” the department said, adding that officials are monitoring the air for hydrogen cyanide, chlorine and sulfur dioxide. “These chemicals pose significant health risks at high levels, with hydrogen cyanide and chlorine particularly dangerous even at low concentrations.”
“We apologize for the inconvenience, but everything done is in the interest of public safety,” the San Bernardino County Fire Department said. “Because of the location of this incident, there are no alternatives.”
Officials said several agencies are working to remove flammable materials so the lanes can be reopened.
“The northbound lanes are closed and the opening time is not estimated,” the California Highway Patrol said.
