County Firefighters Battle Flames and Rescue Injured Victims

At approximately 4 a.m., San Bernardino County Fire received reports of two semi trucks that had collided. There were also reports of one semi on fire. County Fire along with Baker Ambulance arrived on scene shortly after dispatch and confirmed two semi’s had collided and all lanes of southbound Interstate 15 were blocked. One semi hauling paper was fully involved with fire. County Fire initiated an aggressive fire attack, while Baker Ambulance confirmed there were no injuries. While County firefighters were engaged in fire attack, a second call came in reporting a traffic collision with subjects trapped on I-15 just south of the present incident. At this point, with injuries reported on the second traffic collision, the truck fire became the second priority. Crews ceased their suppression efforts and made their way south. County Fire and Baker Ambulance arrived on scene and reported two injuries, one of which would require transportation via helicopter to a trauma center. Mercy Air transported one patient to University Medical Center, Las Vegas, and AMR transported one patient to St. Rose Sienna Hospital. One Engine Company from the Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base also assisted County Fire. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of both accidents. While this area has been the subject of significant thunderstorm activity over the past 24 hours, it is unknown if weather factored in to either incident. County Fire would like to remind drivers to always wear your seat belt while in a moving vehicle.