Final Update at 3:45am on Sunday all lanes of northbound I-15 are back open.
BAKER, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> The northbound I-15 freeway will remains shut down Saturday night, as emergency crews still continue to address the lithium-ion batteries fire near the town of Baker. The fire, which ignited over 24 hours ago. That has caused a horrendous traffic back up and created a Hazmat situation.
San Bernardino County Fire Department Officials said that overnight, multiple attempts were made to move the energy storage container from the freeway shoulder to an open land using heavy equipment.
“Ground improvements and grading were completed in preparation for relocating the container to a safe area for long-term alleviation and the Hazmat cleanup. However, the container’s weight, exceeding 75,000 pounds, has made these efforts unsuccessful so far,” stated County Fire officials.
At 12 noon on Saturday CHP officials said the air quality is being monitored within the hazardous zone. Testing was being done on the air quality, and if it comes back within an acceptable range, they said one lane of northbound I-15 could be opened. It could immediately close depending on the fire and the toxic fume levels. Sadly, the air quality test failed. Southbound lanes are still open.
The primary objective is to maintain public safety, which is why the hard closure is in place. Lithium-ion fires are particularly hazardous due to the chemicals released during off-gassing and the potential for thermal runaway. Thermal runaway can cause the fire to spread rapidly and emit toxic gases, making it essential to handle the situation with extreme caution.
County Fire is working with partner agencies and resources to call for additional heavy equipment for the removal of the container off the roadway, an effort that will continue throughout Saturday night and Sunday. The container’s weight requires specialized equipment for successful removal. This is a fluid and dynamic situation, and we will continually assess public safety needs first. Further updates will be provided through the responsible agencies.
Motorists are strongly advised to seek alternate routes, such as Interstate 40, and avoid attempting to travel northbound on I-15 Between Barstow and Baker until the closure is lifted. Please stay on paved roads. You will get stuck on these dirt roads. Please follow the directives of law enforcement officers in the area.
Know before you go and check the Pain In The Pass Facebook Group for up to date traffic conditions on the 15 freeway.
Detour 1 around the freeway closure. Take eastbound 40 Freeway toward the town of Needles/River. Take Goffs Road/Route 66 make a left go north all the way up to Highway 95 make a left go north. Stay on Hwy 95 pass Searchlight. Hwy 95 will end at Interstate 11 in Boulder City NV. Take the lane that says to Henderson/Las Vegas. Interstate 11 will take you to I-15 or in Las Vegas.
Or Detour 2, Take eastbound Interstate 10 to Highway 177 Desert Center/Rice Rd make a left. Go north on Hwy 177 take it all the way up to Hwy 62 there is a stop. Continue straight that turns into Hwy 62 toward Paker AZ. At Vidal Junction turn left on Hwy 95 take it all the way to I-40. Take westbound I-40 to north Hwy 95 Searchlight/Las Vegas. Stay on Hwy 95 pass Searchlight. Hwy 95 will end at Interstate 11 in Boulder City NV. Take the lane that says to Henderson/Las Vegas. Interstate 11 will take you to I-15 or in Las Vegas.
Related Article from this Story I-15 closed between Barstow and Baker after Semi Carrying Lithium Batteries Overturned and Caught Fire
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