| San Bernardino – Caltrans released a statement today on the lithium battery fire that shut down Interstate 15 (I-15):
“The safety of the traveling public is always our top priority. On Friday, July 26, an
overturned semi-truck transporting lithium batteries caught fire, shutting down
I-15 near Baker in San Bernardino County. Caltrans and the California Highway
Patrol (CHP) quickly worked with federal and local partners to secure the area
and assist people affected by the incident.
“Throughout Friday and Saturday, special crews responded to 80 calls from motorists caught behind the closure as we coordinated delivery of essential supplies and medical
aid, including 100 gallons of diesel and 60 gallons of gasoline to stranded motorists
on I-15 and to those being diverted to I-40. Emergency crews also distributed
eight pallets of drinking water to motorists as desert temperatures began to soar. By Saturday evening, CHP officers completed a welfare check of every vehicle that remained on both I-15 and I-40.
“The incident was cleared at approximately 3 a.m. on Sunday, July 28, and traffic was reopened on I-15. Both interstates are now flowing smoothly.
“The remote location of the incident and potential for rapid spread of fire and toxic gasses associated with a lithium battery blaze posed significant challenges that made it necessary to close the roadway to ensure the public’s safety.
“We understand the significant inconveniences caused by this closure and are grateful to the public for their patience and cooperation. We also want to express appreciation to our partnering agencies for their swift and effective actions throughout the response effort.”
For the latest information, please visit Facebook and Twitter. To assist in planning your commute, view live traffic conditions using QuickMap and planned lane closures. For those with sensory disabilities requiring alternate formats (i.e. Braille, large print, sign language interpreter, etc.) and those needing information in a language other than English, please contact Caltrans Public Affairs at 909-383-4631 or TTY 711. |
