If you’re heading south on Interstate 5 near Fort Tejon, brace yourself for major delays. A commercial vehicle fire has forced a full closure of southbound I-5 at Grapevine Road this afternoon, leading to miles of backed-up traffic.
Truck Fire Causes Major Disruption on I-5
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Fort Tejon, a large truck caught fire and was fully engulfed in flames, sending thick smoke across the freeway. Emergency crews are still on the scene, working to:
Put out the fire
Clean up debris
Safely reopen the highway
At this time, no injuries have been reported, but the fire has caused a complete halt in southbound traffic.
Miles-Long Traffic Backups and Detours
The incident has triggered significant traffic congestion. Vehicles are being diverted away from the scene, but traffic is already backed up for miles. Drivers are being advised to:
Avoid the area if possible
Use alternate routes
Expect long delays
So far, there’s no estimated time for when the southbound lanes will reopen.
What Drivers Need to Know
Here are a few tips if you’re driving near Fort Tejon today:
Check GPS or traffic apps for real-time updates
Follow detour signs posted by CHP or local authorities
Do not attempt to drive through blocked areas
Be patient and allow emergency crews space to work
This stretch of the I-5—known as the Grapevine—is a major route connecting Central and Southern California. Closures here often lead to regional traffic impacts, especially during peak travel hours.
Stay Updated on the Situation
CHP and Caltrans will continue to share updates on:
Traffic conditions
Estimated reopening times
Detour routes
You can follow their official social media pages or tune in to local news for the latest information.
A serious truck fire has shut down southbound I-5 at Grapevine Road near Fort Tejon, causing long traffic delays and widespread disruptions. While emergency crews are working hard to clear the scene, drivers are urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes until further notice. Stay alert, drive safely, and check for updates before hitting the road.
