15 Freeway connecting California to Las Vegas reopens after fiery semi-truck accident caused days-long closure

All northbound lanes on the 15 Freeway reopened between Barstow and Baker early Sunday morning after a crash involving an overturned semi-truck resulted in a miles-long traffic backup and stranded Las Vegas-bound drivers on Saturday.

The crash happened around 8 a.m. on Friday after a truck hauling lithium-ion batteries caught fire near Baker, according to the San Bernardino Fire Department.

The hazardous fire prompted both sides of the freeway to be shutdown while crews worked to contain the flames.

"Due to the lithium-ion, water cannot be added to the fire, the batteries must burn out on their own," the San Bernardino County Fire Department said. "Lithium-ion fires are particularly hazardous due to the chemicals released during off-gassing and the potential for thermal runaway," the department later said. "Thermal runaway can cause the fire to spread rapidly and emit toxic gases, making it essential to handle the situation with extreme caution."

Traffic started to build up for miles as authorities worked to get the 75,000-pound container moved off the highway. Triple-digit temperatures in the desert area also led to 911 calls from drivers experiencing heat-related emergencies while stuck in traffic on the freeway. 

More than a day after the fire was first reported, just after 10 a.m. Saturday, authorities said firefighters were still struggling to make progress. A few hours later, in the afternoon, the California Highway Patrol station in Barstow said the situation was still ongoing and the freeway would not be fully reopened.

"Emergency crews on scene are still assessing the situation and evaluating options," CHP officials said. "The situation and fire remain volatile. The previous anticipated time of opening lanes will not be achievable."

Traffic snarled between California, Nevada

The I-15 Freeway is known for connecting Southern California to Las Vegas, and the counties of San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego. When it was first partially closed, on Friday, authorities warned drivers stuck in traffic along the roadway about dangerously high heat, with temperatures reaching around 110 degrees.

County authorities said ambulances and paramedics were being dispatched to help and water was also being brought to those stuck on the freeway.

"Water has been provided at this location for motorists who are stuck without water and experiencing other issues due to heat and vehicle mechanical problems," the county fire department said in a news statement.

"We are actively addressing the needs of motorists stuck without water and experiencing other issues," the department said, telling motorists to take other routes.

HAZMAT situation causes air quality issues 

County fire officials said they were doing everything they could.

"The primary concern is the air quality due to the hazardous materials and chemicals involved," the department said, adding that authorities are monitoring the air for hydrogen cyanide, chlorine, and sulfur dioxide. "These chemicals pose significant health risks at elevated levels, with hydrogen cyanide and chlorine being particularly dangerous even at low concentrations."

"We apologize for this inconvenience, but everything that is being done is in the interest of public safety," the San Bernardino County Fire Department said. "Due to the location of this incident, alternate routes are slim to none."

Around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Caltrans said fire crews made excellent progress and were able to reopen two lanes. By 3:46 a.m., all northbound lanes were reopened.

The cause of the crash was under investigation.