Crime & Safety
Big Rig Fire Snarls I-5 Traffic In San Diego's North County
CHP and Caltrans were working to clean up the vehicle fire.
OCEANSIDE, CA — A big rig caught fire, causing multiple lane closures and backing up traffic early Friday morning in northern San Diego County.
The vehicle fire was reported around 12:30 a.m. on southbound Interstate 5, north of Birmingham Drive in Encinitas, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The No. 3 and 4 southbound lanes were closed, according to the CHP. The Birmingham off-ramp was also closed.
Find out what's happening in Encinitasfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Traffic was backed up to La Costa Avenue, according to the CHP's Oceanside Area office.
"Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your morning commute," CHP officials said.
Find out what's happening in Encinitasfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
CHP and Caltrans were working to clean up the vehicle fire.
7:30 AM UPDATE 🚧 12/19/25 Following the earlier vehicle fire on SB I-5 north of Birmingham Dr, HOV, #1, and #2 lanes remain open; #3, #4 lanes and the off-ramp remain closed. Traffic is backed up to La Costa Ave. Possible alternate routes: Coast Hwy 101 or El Camino Real. pic.twitter.com/4tANk45Xzt
— CHP Oceanside Area (@CHP_Oceanside) December 19, 2025
7:00 AM UPDATE 🚧🔥 Crews continue cleanup following the vehicle fire on SB I-5 north of Birmingham Dr. Only the HOV, #1, and #2 lanes are open. Expect delays. pic.twitter.com/qfPfheNy8w
— CHP Oceanside Area (@CHP_Oceanside) December 19, 2025
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