Vehicle Carrier Fire Shuts Down Lanes On I-5 Near Oceanside

OCEANSIDE, CA — A semi truck carrying multiple vehicles caught fire Thursday morning closing multiple lanes and causing significant traffic delays on southbound Interstate 5 near Oceanside, authorities said.

The vehicle carrier fire was reported around 5 a.m. near the Aliso Creek Rest Area, just north of Oceanside, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The fire was extinguished, but three southbound lanes were initially blocked while crews worked to clear the scene, officials said.

By 6:45 a.m., the No. 2 and No. 3 lanes had reopened. The No. 4 lane remained closed, according to the CHP.

Traffic was backed up north of Las Pulgas Road. Drivers were advised to slow down and use caution in the area.

"Traffic remains heavy through the area," CHP officials said on X. "Please give yourself plenty of extra time, slow down, and remain alert for crews and emergency personnel working along the roadway."