Devore Big-Rig Crash Causes Fire, Injuries, Traffic Issues

Devore Big-Rig Crash on I-15 Sparks Brush Fire and Injuries: What Happened and What Drivers Should Know

Overview of the Devore Incident

On Saturday afternoon, December 13, 2025, a serious collision involving two semitrailers occurred on the northbound side of the 15 Freeway near Kenwood Avenue in Devore, San Bernardino County. According to initial reports, the crash happened shortly before 12:30 p.m. and led to a dramatic fire that engulfed both big rigs and a nearby utility pole. One of the trucks overturned during the crash.

The fire quickly spread into adjacent brush, ultimately burning approximately five acres and briefly threatening nearby structures. A SigAlert was issued as northbound lanes were closed to allow emergency crews to respond safely and to protect the public. Cal Fire and San Bernardino County firefighters moved rapidly to attack the flames and protect the corridor. Officials reported that forward progress of the fire was stopped at approximately 1:32 p.m. At least one person was reported injured. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Traffic Impacts and Public Safety Response

Major freeway closures are common after collisions involving commercial trucks, particularly when fire, hazardous materials, or toppled utility infrastructure are involved. In this incident, the combination of an overturned big rig, a utility pole fire, and brush ignition necessitated immediate lane closures and a coordinated, multi-agency response. Motorists in the Cajon Pass area likely experienced significant delays as crews staged engines and water tenders, assessed downed or damaged utilities, and established containment lines for the brush fire.

A SigAlert—California’s notification of major, extended traffic disruption—helped route drivers around the hazard. These alerts are standard when an incident is expected to impact traffic for 30 minutes or more, especially when heavy equipment, tow operations, or fire suppression efforts must occur within active lanes.

Why Big-Rig Crashes Can Escalate Quickly

Collisions involving large commercial vehicles carry unique risks due to size, weight, and cargo. Tractor-trailers can weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger vehicles and have longer stopping distances. When crashes occur on steep grades and high-volume corridors like the I-15 through the Cajon Pass, secondary consequences can include:

- Vehicle fires fueled by diesel or cargo
- Overturned trailers blocking multiple lanes
- Damage to roadside infrastructure (poles, barriers, signage)
- Brush ignition in dry or windy conditions
- Hazardous material concerns depending on the load

Investigations typically consider vehicle mechanics (brakes, tires, coupling systems), driver hours-of-service compliance, speed and following distance, cargo securement, roadway design, visibility, wind and grade, and actions by surrounding traffic.

Big-rig crashes involving fire and infrastructure damage often raise complex legal issues, including driver conduct, equipment maintenance, cargo safety, and compliance with state and federal trucking regulations. As investigators continue reviewing the Devore I-15 collision, injured parties may need guidance navigating claims involving commercial insurers and multiple potentially responsible entities.

Avian Law Group has experience handling serious truck-accident cases throughout Southern California. If you were injured or suffered losses due to this crash, our attorneys can help evaluate liability, coordinate with investigators, and pursue full and fair compensation. Contact us for a no-obligation case evaluation.