Travelers planning to use Interstate 15 near the Nevada/California state line, found themselves at a standstill as the major thoroughfare was closed in both directions south of the boundary, following an incident where a semi-truck hauling lithium-ion batteries caught fire. The shutdown extended from Afton Canyon to Basin roads after the San Bernardino County Fire Department responded to the blaze on northbound I-15 at mile marker 113, between Barstow and Baker, News 3 LV reported.
The San Bernardino Count Fire Department detailed, that a semi overturned, leading to a fuel/oil leak, and the truck’s cargo of lithium-ion batteries ignited. Efforts to suppress the fire were challenging due to the nature of these batteries, which "can escalate to thermal runaway," requiring a substantial quantity of water to extinguish, as reported by News 3 LV. Additional heavy equipment was also called to the scene because of the cargo's weight, complicating the closure and response efforts, the San Bernardino County Fire Department noted.
In addition to the fire suppression complications, an oversight in digital map systems posed an additional risk, possibily directing motorists to alternative routes along dirt roads and trails that are unsuitable for most vehicles. The fire officials have issued warnings regarding these digital map suggestions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public safety and allowing emergency services to manage the scene effectively.
FOX5 Vegas also reported on the incident and confirmed that a HazMat unit, additional firefighters, water, and heavy equipment were requested to aid in handling the hazardous materials and mitigate further danger. Travelers crossing the Nevada-California state line were advised to brace for significant delays or to seek alternate routes. As of now, the authorities have not provided an estimated time for when the interstate might reopen.
As both routes in and out of this stretch of the freeway are blocked, the situation continues to evolve, and authorities are diligently working to clear the hazards and reopen I-15. For those affected by the closure, the California Highway Patrol has urged to find alternate paths and stay informed on the latest traffic updates as the situation develops.
