Big Rig Fire Causes Traffic Headache On 91 Freeway

RIVERSIDE, CA - A tractor-trailer caught fire Thursday on the Riverside (91) Freeway, causing a fuel spill and prompting a temporary full closure of one side of the corridor in Riverside.

The non-injury blaze was reported at 2:05 p.m. Thursday on the westbound side of the 91 between Magnolia Avenue and Pierce Street, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The agency stated that flames erupted in the big rig's engine compartment and spread into the cab just after the driver pulled over on the shoulder and stopped. He escaped unscathed.

Riverside Fire Department engine crews arrived minutes later and immediately deployed around the semi, which had an empty trailer attached.

When diesel was spotted leaking from the engine and spreading across most westbound lanes, officers implemented a full closure of the westbound 91 at Pierce, according to reports from the scene. The HOV lane was reopened at 2:33 p.m. A SigAlert was in effect due to the remaining lane closures and ensuing miles-long traffic jam. The closures were expected to be lifted shortly after 3 p.m.

The flames spread into roadside shrubs, but firefighters knocked down the entire blaze by 2:40 p.m.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

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