Traffic came to a halt on a section of I-15 near Baker, California, due to a truck carrying lithium batteries catching fire. The incident caused a significant delay for drivers as emergency services worked to put out the flames.
The truck, which was transporting lithium ion batteries, crashed and caught fire early in the morning, leading to the closure of the northbound lanes of I-15. The southbound lanes were also shut down to ensure the safety of everyone in the area. Despite efforts to clear the backlog of vehicles, the northbound lanes remained closed, causing heavy traffic on the alternate route, I-40.
Authorities faced challenges in moving the heavy container from the freeway shoulder to open land, as the weight exceeded 75,000 pounds. The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District monitored the air quality due to the hazardous materials involved in the incident, including hydrogen cyanide, chlorine, and sulfur dioxide, which can pose significant health risks.
Lithium ion batteries are known for their flammable nature, making them difficult to extinguish once ignited. The fire district emphasized the need for massive amounts of water to put out such fires, as they can escalate to thermal runaway. Drivers stuck in traffic for hours expressed concerns about running out of fuel or battery charge, especially given the high temperatures in Baker that day.
The California Highway Patrol advised motorists to use alternate routes and ensure they had enough supplies, fuel, and charge in their vehicles when traveling through the area. It was a challenging situation for both drivers and emergency responders, highlighting the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials like lithium batteries.
