An overturned big rig and resulting hazmat situation left motorists stranded in the desert just off the crucial interstate between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Here's the latest information:
CHP reports all lanes of I-15 now open, ending traffic nightmare
The northbound I-15 freeway is again fully open as of around 4:30 a.m. Sunday after a two-day closure due to a hazardous materials incident involving a lithium battery fire.
The northbound 15 freeway lanes in Baker had been closed since Friday, July 26, after a semi-truck hauling a container of lithium-ion batteries overturned, blocking the route to Las Vegas just before the weekend.
CHP reports freeway still closed Saturday evening, no timeline for reopening
CHP officials reported at 8:45 p.m. Saturday that there is no timetable set to reopen northbound I-15.
The CHP had hoped to open one northbound lane around noon Saturday. But after a hazardous materials crew tested the air for toxic fumes, authorities determined the situation still dangerous, and the still-burning battery fire remained too volatile.
Authorities advised motorists to avoid northbound travel on the 15 and to seek alternate routes through the 40 Freeway. But there have been reports of traffic delays of nearly two and a half hours on Highway 40 on a 70-mile stretch from Pisgah to Fenner.
There are no reports of significant traffic slowdowns on southbound 15 for motorists returning from Las Vegas to California.
Detour routes reporting massive backups Saturday morning
Authorities advised motorists to avoid northbound travel on the 15 and to seek alternate routes through the 40 Freeway.
Traffic became so heavy on the 40 Freeway as drivers tried to get around the closure that the CHP issued a Sig Alert for that route.
There have been reports of traffic delays of nearly two and a half hours on Highway 40, a 70-mile stretch of road, from Pisgah to Fenner.
Authorities warned that GPS map devices are giving motorists alternative directions that could lead them onto unpaved dirt roads and trails unsuitable for most vehicles.
The California Highway Patrol issued the following statement: "We apologize for this inconvenience, but everything that is being done is in the interest of public safety. Due to the location of this incident, alternate routes are slim to none. Units are currently working to see if traffic can begin flowing safely, away from the inhalation hazard zone. Remain patient and safe as first responders and emergency personnel work on this dangerous situation."
CHP officials said Saturday morning that they hoped to open one northbound lane around noon. But after a hazardous materials crew tested the air for toxic fumes, authorities determined the situation and the still-burning battery fire remained too volatile to do so.
Northbound 15 remains closed Saturday morning, no re-opening timeline given
The northbound 15 freeway lanes in Baker remained closed on Saturday, July 27, after a semi-truck hauling a container of lithium-ion batteries overturned, blocking the route to Las Vegas just before the weekend, the California Highway Patrol reports.
The CHP reported the lithium battery fire was out at about 4:30 a.m. Saturday, but it re-started at about 5:15 a.m., forcing a hard closure of northbound I-15 at Harvard Road. Traffic is being turned around at Field Road. There is no information regarding when the road will reopen.
Southbound lanes of the freeway were reopened about 3 p.m. Friday.
The burning batteries posed multiple threats, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District officials said.
"This product, when involved with fire, can escalate to a thermal runaway, which requires massive amounts of water to extinguish," the agency said in a written statement. "To ensure public safety, a hard closure of both northbound and southbound lanes of the 15 freeway has been enforced. Public safety is of the utmost importance, and keeping the area clear allows emergency responders to manage the situation effectively and prevent potential harm."
CHP officials described the burning cargo as a sealed container holding six "industrial grade lithium-ion batteries."
The hazardous freight weighed an estimated 75,000 pounds, fire officials added. Attempts to move it overnight with heavy machinery were unsuccessful.
Social media posts showed miles of stopped traffic on northbound I-15 all day Friday and Saturday morning.
Motorists have been stranded all along I-15 and I-40, authorities said.
The San Bernardino County Fire Logistics Division brought water to the Clyde V Kane Rest Stop off the northbound 15, south of Afton Canyon Road, for stuck motorists.
“We are actively addressing the needs of motorists stuck without water and experiencing other issues,” the department posted on X. “We strongly recommend that all individuals attempting to travel northbound divert and seek alternate routes as the closure is expected to be extended due to the hazmat and suppression operations related to the truck fire.”
What detour routes should motorists take to avoid Baker area
Authorities advised motorists to avoid northbound travel on the 15 and to seek alternate routes through the 40 Freeway.
The traffic became so heavy on the 40 Freeway as drivers tried to get around the closure, however, that the CHP issued a Sig Alert for that route, as well, at 8:45 a.m., logs show.
Authorities warned that GPS map devices are giving motorists alternative directions that could lead them onto unpaved dirt roads and trails unsuitable for most vehicles.
What are lithium-ion batteries?
A lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable battery made from lithium compounds. The batteries power laptops, cell phones, hybrids, and electric cars.
Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire due to thermal runaway, a chain reaction when a battery overheats and releases energy uncontrollably.
