Tractor-trailer fire on eastbound Highway 24 in Orinda closes lanes

CHP and fire units are at the scene of a tractor-trailer fire on Highway 24 in Orinda Tuesday afternoon that has closed multiple eastbound lanes for hours, according to authorities.

The fire was first reported at around 1:20 p.m. on eastbound CA-24 just west of Camino Pablo, CHP said. Initial reports said the right and center eastbound lanes of the freeway were closed. The truck reportedly was transporting furniture. The contents of the trailer and the truck itself appeared to be a complete loss.

As of 2 p.m., aerial footage showed a single lane of traffic getting past the scene of the truck fire, which by then had been extinguished. It appeared the vehicle fire on the inside shoulder of the freeway had damaged a highway sign and spread to vegetation near the shoulder, but crews were able to prevent it from expanding further.

Traffic in the eastbound direction on the freeway was initially backed up through the Caldecott Tunnel to around Broadway in Oakland. 

All lanes had reopened as of around 3:24 p.m., around two hours after the closures began. Motorists are advised to expect some residual delays through the area. 

In:
• CHP
• Orinda
• Fire
• Traffic