A railcar hauling lithium ion batteries caught fire early Wednesday, prompting the closure of Cajon Boulevard through the Cajon Pass, officials said.
The fire was first reported just after 1:15 a.m. June 3 along Cajon Boulevard at Swarthout Canyon Road, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
“A single rail car loaded with lithium batteries is well involved,” officials reported via social media.
A hazardous materials crew was brought in to monitor the air quality as firefighters worked to extinguish the stubborn flames.
Cajon Boulevard was shut down between Kenwood Avenue and Cleghorn Road, while Swarthout Canyon Road was shut down between Cajon Boulevard and Lost Lake Road. The closures were lifted at about 11 a.m.
“To reduce risk of fire spread and facilitate cleanup, affected rail car has been isolated on a single track off the main lines,” fire officials stated.
The burning railcar continued to smolder into the afternoon.
No injuries were reproted.
No further details were available.
(This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.)
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Railcar battery fire forces closure of Cajon Blvd. through the pass
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
