Devore experienced a fiery traffic incident this Saturday when two semi-trucks collided on the northbound 15 Freeway, near Kenwood Avenue. The crash, which occurred shortly before 12:30 p.m., set both vehicles ablaze and sparked a brush fire in the vicinity, reported ABC7. The accident also involved the toppling of a utility pole and prompted a complete but temporary closure of the northbound lanes.
In an unfortunate twist of events, the conflagration quickly spread to nearby dry brush, leading to a wildfire that threatened local structures. San Bernardino County Fire officials updated that at least one semi-truck caught fire, spurring flames up an embankment toward homes in the area. The blaze, which enveloped around four acres by 1:44 p.m., prompted a second alarm response from firefighters eager to protect the neighboring community, KTLA detailed.
Multiple agencies, including Cal Fire and San Bernardino County firefighters, joined forces to combat the flames, described by officials as having burned five acres with a moderate rate of spread. By 1:32 p.m., the forward progress of the fire had been halted, noted ABC7. Miraculously, despite the intensity of the fire and its potential threat, no structural damage was reported.
One person was injured in the crash and has been transported to a local hospital with minor injuries, San Bernardino County Fire officials stated. According to a report by KTLA, the trucks were carrying non-hazardous materials, though diesel fuel was a factor in the fire. Crews remained at the scene into the evening, ensuring that all hot spots were extinguished and clearing debris from the catastrophic event, as detailed by CBS Los Angeles. The bypass lanes on the northbound side of the freeway remained closed as of 8:45 p.m. Saturday, with no immediate estimate for when they would be reopened, said California Highway Patrol officers.
While the San Bernardino community catches its breath following the incident, investigations into the cause of the crash are underway, though details remain sparse at this time. As the freeway begins to reopen and recovery efforts continue, the close call for the residents of Devore serves as a stark reminder of the imminent dangers that can emerge on any given afternoon on California's bustling freeways.
