Big Rig Fire On Southbound 15 Freeway In Temecula Prompts Lane Closures: CHP

TEMECULA, CA — A fire involving a tractor-trailer prompted multiple lane closures on the 15 Freeway in Temecula near the border of San Diego County Thursday, and triggered a traffic jam, authorities said.

The blaze was reported just after 11 a.m. on the southbound 15 Freeway at Rainbow Canyon Boulevard, near the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The agency said the trucker was waiting near the checkpoint when the semi's engine blew, leading to flames spreading into the cab.

The CHP stated that, initially, personnel from Cal Fire-San Diego County were sent to the location, but the big rig was ultimately determined to be just inside of Riverside County, so multiple county fire engine crews also responded.

Firefighters got the blaze under control within 15 minutes.

CHP officers shut down the southbound slow lane and exit lanes to Rainbow Canyon Boulevard, disrupting traffic.

Firefighters mopped at the scene around noon.

The lane closures were expected to be lifted by 1 p.m.

No additional information was immediately available.

City News Service contributed to this report.