Caltrans responds to lithium battery fire that blocked 15 Freeway to Las Vegas for 2 days

Caltrans officials thanked the motoring public for their patience and cooperation over the weekend when a big rig hauling lithium-ion batteries crashed and caught fire.

The incident prompted the closure of the 15 Freeway between Barstow and Baker for nearly two days and left many travelers stranded.

The fire ignited about 6 a.m. Friday on Southern California's link to Las Vegas when the truck overturned along right shoulder of northbound lanes and began to burn, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Toxic fumes emanated from the burning 75,000-pound trailer, along with the threat of explosion due to the hazardous nature of the industrial-grade lithium-ion batteries inside it. This prompted officials to shut down both directions of travel as they worked to extinguish the flames and move the dangerous cargo.

Travelers ended up stranded for hours on both sides of the freeway, as well as on the 40 Freeway, which became overwhelmed with traffic from people trying to get around the 15 Freeway closure.

When did the I-15 to Las Vegas reopen?

Southbound lanes were reopened about 3 p.m. Saturday, according to CHP. Northbound lanes remained closed until about 4 a.m. Sunday after the stubborn flames were finally extinguished.

Caltrans officials acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the incident but said, "The safety of the traveling public is always our top priority."

Related: Update: I-15 to Las Vegas reopens after hazmat fire snarls weekend traffic in California

“The remote location of the incident and potential for the rapid spread of fire and toxic gasses associated with a lithium battery blaze posed significant challenges that made it necessary to close the roadway to ensure the public's safety," the agency said in a written statement .

How many motorists were stranded on the I-15 during the shutdown?

Caltrans partnered with CHP, as well as other federal and local agencies, to respond to the fire as well as assist stranded motorists who ran out of fuel or suffered from heat-related illness as high temperatures reached around 110 degrees.

Officials responded to 80 calls for service from stranded travelers on Friday and Saturday, Caltrans officials said.

Aid included the delivery of 100 gallons of diesel, 60 gallons of gasoline, and eight pallets of drinking water to people stuck on the 15 and 140 freeways.

"By Saturday evening, CHP officers completed a welfare check of every vehicle that remained on both I-15 and I-40," the statement said.

"We understand the significant inconveniences caused by this closure and are grateful to the public for their patience and cooperation," according to the Caltrans statement. "We also want to express appreciation to our partnering agencies for their swift and effective actions throughout the response effort."

What are lithium-ion batteries?

A lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable battery made from lithium compounds. The batteries power laptops, cell phones, hybrids, and electric cars.

Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire due to thermal runaway, a chain reaction when a battery overheats and releases energy uncontrollably.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Caltrans responds to lithium battery fire that blocked 15 Freeway to Las Vegas for 2 days