California I-15 Lithium Fire Update and Resource Guide

Statement from the Office of Governor Joe Lombardo

The Office of the Governor, Nevada Department of Transportation, Nevada State Police, andNevada Division of Emergency Management have been in constant communication with California to ensure that I-15 northbound can reopen safely as soon as possible. I-15 southbound is open. In the interim, please avoid unnecessary travel. Nevada remains ready to assist our California counterparts.

Nevada agencies will continue to amplify updates from California partners and local jurisdictions. For timely updates, please follow @JosephMLombardo, @nevadadot, @NVStatePolice, and @NVEmergencyMgmt on X.

NB I-15 at Baker lane #2 has reopened. All lanes are officially open.

I-15 Northbound at Harvard Road remains closed. Southbound lanes are open. Crews are currently grading the dirt shoulder around the trailer housing the hazardous material. Heavy duty equipment to move the trailer is on scene and efforts to move the trailer will continue once deemed safe for the crews. This is an ever changing hazmat incident and crews are working around the clock.

On July 26, 2024, at approximately 5:57 am, officers from the California Highway Patrol Barstow Area were dispatched to a traffic crash on Interstate 15 (I-15) northbound, near mile post marker 15 SBD 113.00, within the unincorporated area of San Bernardino County.
The collision occurred when the driver of a 2020 Freightliner, trailering a flatbed trailer, loaded with a sealed container of six, industrial grade lithium-ion batteries, lost control and overturned onto the right shoulder of northbound I-15. Subsequently, the battery container became detached from the flatbed trailer and also rolled onto the right shoulder.
Once emergency personnel arrived on scene, they observed a visible fire emerging from the ruptured hazmat container. Due to the inherent danger of the fire and potential inhalation hazard, a one third of a mile safety zone was set to ensure public safety. Subsequently, the northbound lanes of I-15 were closed at Afton Canyon Road. The southbound lanes were initially closed at Basin Road, however; were later opened for southbound travel and currently remain open.

Continue to follow all guidance from California Highway Patrol and San Bernardino County Fire. If you are in a life-threatening or emergency situation, call 911.
Detour routes available are Interstate 10, Interstate 40, and US 395. Motorists should prepare for heavy traffic by checking travel conditions before they go at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.
Use caution with any electronic routing systems that may suggest alternate routes, especially those that include dirt roads. Often, these areas are unimproved trails and roads, which can lead to vehicles getting stuck, a significant problem experienced throughout the day yesterday.
CalTrans and the California Highway Patrol have gas and emergency water cases to distribute to those delayed I-15. If you need emergency water or gas, contact 909-520-7729.
Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) can provide critical services for vehicles, including: providing gas, jump starting car batteries, refilling radiator and tape hoses, and changing a flat tire. The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) can be contacted from your mobile phone or using a freeway call box by dialing 5-1-1. Visit: https://www.chp.ca.gov/Programs-Services/Services-Information/Freeway-Service-Patrol
Local tow truck companies will be in the area to provide emergency assistance throughout the night.

If you have not departed, all unnecessary travel on I-15 and I-40 is strongly discouraged.
If you have to travel, ensure that your vehicle is in good running condition, including checking tires and fluids.
Make sure you have a charged cell phone, water, snacks, medications, and a first aid kit.
Be alert and have patience for other motorists and expect traffic delays.
Plan ahead and continue to check for detours in the event there are additional unexpected road closures or excessive delays due to this emergency situation.