Hazmat crews rushed in Wednesday after a freight railcar incident along Cajon Boulevard, just south of Swarthout Canyon, raised alarms. Firefighters quickly established an exclusion zone and set up air monitoring while specialists evaluated the cargo and the level of risk. Nearby stretches of road were shut down, and there were no immediate reports of injuries.
County Fire Confirms Lithium Batteries And Road Closures
According to San Bernardino County Fire, the railcar was described as "well involved" and loaded with lithium batteries, which triggered a full HazMat response with air monitoring in place. The department reported closures on Cajon Boulevard between Cleghorn and Kenwood and on Swarthout Canyon Road between Cajon Boulevard and Lost Lake Road while crews worked the scene. Units from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office were also assisting in the area.
Why Lithium Batteries Complicate The Response
The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District notes that its Hazardous Materials division handles air monitoring and specialized containment when dangerous cargo is involved. Lithium-ion batteries can enter thermal runaway, give off toxic smoke, and sometimes reignite hours later, which complicates fire suppression and public-safety decisions, national guidance indicates. The U.S. Fire Administration and fire-safety reviews recommend that significant battery-related fires be treated as extended hazmat incidents that emphasize monitoring, protective gear, and environmental controls.
Traffic Headaches And A Cautious Playbook
San Bernardino County Fire said the closures on Cajon Boulevard and Swarthout Canyon Road were put in place to protect motorists while HazMat teams worked, and drivers were advised to expect delays on local roads. Past lithium-battery cargo incidents in California have led to lengthy closures and extended hazmat operations, including a truck fire near the Port of Los Angeles that shut down the Vincent Thomas Bridge during a prolonged cleanup. That history helps explain why agencies are sticking with a cautious playbook here. We will update this story as more information is released.
