Northbound lanes of 15 Freeway closed in Baker after container of lithium ion batteries catches fire

Fires involving lithium ion batteries risks the threat of a larger fire or explosion and require massive amounts of water to extinguish.

The northbound 15 freeway lanes in Baker remained closed on Friday, July 26, after a semi truck hauling a container of lithium ion batteries overturned, blocking the route to Las Vegas just before the weekend, authorities said.

The truck overturned just before 6 a.m. in the northbound lanes with the trailer carrying the batteries catching on fire after the crash, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department. Authorities closed the north and southbound freeway lanes between Afton Canyon and Basin Road and called for a hazardous material response.

Fires involving lithium ion batteries risk the threat of a larger fire or explosion and require massive amounts of water to extinguish, authorities said.

Around 3 p.m., the southbound lanes were reopened to traffic. It was not clear how long the closure would remain in effect for the northbound lanes.