Truck Sparks Brush Fire Off 15 Freeway In Cajon Pass
CAJON PASS (CBSLA) – Firefighters worked in extreme temperatures as they battled a truck fire on Interstate 15 in Cajon Pass east of Los Angeles.
The truck fire broke out before 9:50 a.m. near the 15 Freeway and the Kenwood Avenue exit, according to the San Bernardino National Forest. The fire then spread to nearby vegetation.
The so-called Box Fire was initially threatening structures. However, the San Bernardino County Fire Department (SBCFD) reported just after 12:30 p.m. that crews had "mitigated" that threat. There was no official word on containment.
Two firefighters were evaluated for apparent heat-related illnesses, according to CBS2's Nicole Comstock.
Gusty winds, low humidity & 110 degree heat making absolutely brutal conditions for ground crews at the #BoxFire near the Cajon Pass. 2 firefighters are being evaluated for apparent heat related illnesses. Cars overheating & breaking down along the 15 NB. #KCAL9 @ 4 & @CBSLA @ 5 pic.twitter.com/tX6EwCykJq
— Nicole Comstock (@ComstockNEWS) July 6, 2018
No evacuations were ordered for the nearby Devore Heights neighborhood, but Cindy Bachman, a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, said all residents of Devore Heights should be prepared for any potential evacuation notices.
Two lanes of the northbound 15 Freeway were closed north of the junction with the 215 Freeway, Caltrans said. Several roads going into Devore Heights were also closed.
#BoxFire(Update): IC advises fire at 100 acres. Making good progress on mitigating structure threat. Additional assets reinforcing initial attack resources. ^eas
— San Bernardino County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) July 6, 2018
The San Bernardino National Forest has activated a call center for residents for information on the Box Fire. That number is 909-383-5688.
Firefighters with SBCFD, CAL Fire and the U.S. Forest Service crews were battling the blaze.