I-15 fire still burning hours after truck's lithium-ion batteries catch fire

UPDATE 10:38 p.m. — Emergency crews are still working to extinguish the flames, which have been burning for hours.

They are also still working on getting the hazardous material — including lithium-ion batteries — away from the freeway.

UPDATE 3:02 p.m. — The California Highway Patrol has released more information about a truck fire that shut down I-15 near Baker, Calif. Friday morning.

Southbound lanes are now back open. Northbound lanes are still shut down for an "undetermined amount of time."

The semi-truck was hauling an oversized load when it turned over just before 6 a.m. for reasons police have yet to determine.

The trailer was hauling six lithium-ion batteries, which caught fire causing potential inhalation problems for passing motorists. The interstate was shut down between 8:30 and 9 a.m. in both directions. A 1/3 mile safety perimeter was established.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Interstate 15 is shut down near Baker, Calif. after a semi-truck overturned and caught fire Friday afternoon.

The truck is leaking oil and fuel and is carrying lithium-ion batteries, prompting the shutdown.

Fire crews with San Bernardino Fire say the contents of the burning truck are making it difficult to fight the flames. Hazmat is in route and a plan is being developed to fight the fire.

Safety distances established by crews required a shutdown of both northbound and southbound lanes.

San Bernardino Fire

Fire crews also requested more water and heavy equipment to be brought to the scene.