ENCINITAS, Calif. (KGTV) — A semi-truck caught fire while traveling on Interstate 5 in the Encinitas area, prompting multiple lane closures early Friday morning.
According to the California Highway Patrol's incident log, the fire was reported at around 12:30 a.m. on southbound I-5 at the Birmingham Drive exit.
The CHP indicated the big rig pulled over after the trailer caught fire for unknown reasons.
WATCH — Reporter Gabe Salazar provides details on the traffic backup:
The blaze and subsequent emergency response forced the closure of all southbound lanes in the immediate area.
According to the CHP Oceanside Area office, the No. 3 and 4 lanes and the Birmingham Drive off-ramp were closed as of 8:55 a.m.
By 1:15 p.m., all lanes reopened as crews cleared out the scene.
🚨UPDATE🚨 12/19/25 @ 1:15 PM
— Border Communications Center (@CHPBorderComm) December 19, 2025
ALL LANES ARE OPEN.
The Sig-Alert has been lifted. Thank you for your patience as crews worked to safely clear the roadway.
Enjoy your weekend responsibly.
Check traffic around San Diego County at https://www.10news.com/traffic.
