Encinitas, CA, December 20, 2025
A semi-truck fire on southbound Interstate 5 near Birmingham Drive resulted in significant traffic disruptions early Friday morning. The fire, which ignited around 12:30 a.m., led to lane closures and hours of delays, with emergency crews working to extinguish the flames and clear debris. Fortunately, no major injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Another collision occurred later, further affecting traffic.
Encinitas, CA: Big Rig Fire Causes Hours-Long Delays on I-5
Encinitas, CA – A semi-truck caught fire on southbound Interstate 5 near the Birmingham Drive exit early Friday morning, leading to significant traffic disruptions and lane closures. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on December 19, 2025, when the trailer of the big rig ignited for reasons that remain under investigation. The driver managed to pull over safely, and no major injuries were reported. However, the fire prompted the closure of the No. 3 and No. 4 southbound lanes, as well as the Birmingham Drive off-ramp, causing traffic to back up to La Costa Avenue. Emergency crews worked diligently to extinguish the fire and clear the debris, but the closures persisted for several hours, with at least two lanes and the off-ramp remaining closed through noon. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Caltrans coordinated efforts to reopen the lanes and restore normal traffic flow. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the incident.
Additional Collision Near Incident Site
Approximately eight hours after the initial fire, another collision occurred on the opposite side of the freeway. Around 8:30 a.m., two vehicles were involved in a crash on northbound I-5 near the Birmingham Drive exit. The accident temporarily halted traffic for about 30 minutes. Fortunately, no major injuries were reported in this secondary incident. The CHP responded promptly to clear the scene and reopen the lanes. The connection between this collision and the earlier big rig fire remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing.
Background Context
Interstate 5 is a major north-south freeway in California, serving as a primary route for both local and long-distance travelers. The Encinitas area, located in San Diego County, is known for its coastal attractions and serves as a significant commuter corridor. Incidents like the big rig fire can lead to substantial traffic delays, affecting daily commuters and travelers. The CHP and Caltrans regularly monitor and manage such incidents to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions. Drivers are encouraged to stay informed about road conditions and plan their routes accordingly, especially during peak travel times.
FAQ
What caused the big rig fire on I-5 in Encinitas?
The exact cause of the fire is under investigation. The trailer of the semi-truck ignited for reasons that remain unclear.
Were there any injuries reported in the incident?
No major injuries were reported. The driver of the big rig managed to pull over safely, and no significant injuries were sustained.
How long were the lanes closed on I-5 due to the fire?
The closures lasted for several hours, with at least two lanes and the off-ramp remaining closed through noon.
Was there another accident near the site of the big rig fire?
Yes, approximately eight hours after the initial fire, a two-vehicle collision occurred on the opposite side of the freeway near the Birmingham Drive exit. This accident temporarily halted traffic for about 30 minutes.
What is the current status of the road closures?
As of now, all lanes have been reopened, and normal traffic flow has been restored.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Big rig fire on southbound I-5 near Birmingham Drive exit |
| Time of Occurrence | Approximately 12:30 a.m. on December 19, 2025 |
| Lane Closures | No. 3 and No. 4 southbound lanes, Birmingham Drive off-ramp |
| Traffic Impact | Backups to La Costa Avenue, secondary collision at 8:30 a.m. |
| Injuries | No major injuries reported |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and secondary collision |
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