Trash Truck Fire Stalls 91 Freeway Monday

RIVERSIDE, CA — A refuse truck caught fire Monday along the Riverside (91) Freeway and La Sierra Avenue, consuming most of the vehicle and prompting a partial closure of the corridor.

The non-injury blaze was reported at 10:55 a.m. Monday, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The agency said flames broke out in the compactor of the refuse truck, quickly spreading until the entire load was burning, forcing the driver to pull onto the shoulder and bail out.

The trucker was not hurt and attempted in vain to unhitch the trailer to save the cab, but couldn't, the CHP said.

Multiple Riverside Fire Department engine crews reached the location minutes later and blocked two lanes of traffic to deploy fire hoses and initiate fire attack, according to reports from the scene. CHP officers shut down a third lane for public safety just after 11 a.m., leaving only the HOV lane available.

A SigAlert was issued at 11:12 a.m. due to the lane closures and resulting traffic jam.

Crews had to stretch hoses beyond the freeway and onto Diana Avenue below for access to fire hydrants. As of 11:30 a.m., the blaze was contained but still smoldering, officials said.

The lane closures were expected to remain in effect until 12:30 p.m., according to the CHP.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation.