Big-Rig Fire On 91 Freeway: Trucker Escapes Flames

RIVERSIDE, CA — A fire consumed part of a truck on the Riverside (91) Freeway Monday, prompting lane closures and snarling traffic, though no injuries were reported.

The blaze broke out in the engine compartment of the rig just before 1 p.m. on the westbound 91, near 14th Street, in downtown Riverside, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The agency said the trucker managed to pull onto the shoulder before leaping out of the vehicle.
Riverside Fire Department crews reached the location within 10 minutes and encountered flames raging throughout the truck's cab, with minor extension to the trailer but not into the nearby vegetation, according to officials at the scene.

Firefighters completely contained the blaze at 1:10 p.m. and were finished mopping up by 1:30 p.m.
CHP officers shut down two of four lanes at the location for public safety. A SigAlert was posted due to the ensuing traffic jam.

The lane closures were expected to be lifted between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.