Barstow-Baker Section Cleared Following Day-Long Closure
Las Vegas, NV (July 28, 2024) – A major disruption to travel between Southern California and Las Vegas has ended as the northbound lanes of Interstate 15 have reopened following a hazardous materials incident involving a lithium battery fire. The California Highway Patrol confirmed that all lanes are now open to traffic.
The closure, which lasted over a day, was implemented after a truck carrying a large quantity of lithium-ion batteries overturned and ignited near Baker, California. The subsequent fire posed significant risks due to the volatile nature of lithium-ion batteries, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
“Lithium-ion battery fires are extremely dangerous because they release harmful chemicals and can undergo thermal runaway, causing rapid fire spread and toxic gas emission,” said a spokesperson for the fire department.
Crews worked tirelessly to contain the fire and safely remove the hazardous materials before reopening the critical transportation corridor. Governor Joe Lombardo expressed concern over the incident and its impact on travel.
