Railcar Battery Fire Forces Closure of Cajon Boulevard Through Cajon Pass

A railcar carrying lithium-ion batteries caught fire early Wednesday morning, prompting the closure of Cajon Boulevard through the Cajon Pass, according to officials. The fire was first reported just after 1:15 a.m.

on June 3 along Cajon Boulevard at Swarthout Canyon Road, the San Bernardino County Fire Department reported. Officials described the blaze as "well involved" on social media, noting that a single rail car loaded with lithium batteries was burning.

A hazardous materials crew was brought in to monitor air quality as firefighters worked to extinguish the stubborn flames. Cajon Boulevard was shut down between Kenwood Avenue and Cleghorn Road, while Swarthout Canyon Road was closed between Cajon Boulevard and Lost Lake Road.

The closures were lifted at approximately 11 a.m. To reduce the risk of fire spread and facilitate cleanup, the affected rail car was isolated on a single track off the main lines, fire officials stated.

The burning railcar continued to smolder into the afternoon. No further details were available at the time of reporting.