Article sponsored by Valor of the Lake Alarmsand Mountains Community Hospital
Article and photos by Malia Dietz
Just after 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, multiple 911 callers reported a burning Mercedes station wagon, on the right shoulder of Highway 18. Reports going into dispatch indicated that the fire was also spreading into the vegetation. The location given was northbound Highway 18 at a location commonly referred to as “Panorama Point,” located approximately 2 miles below the Crestline Bridge.
San Bernardino County Fire crews from Station 91 and 25 responded along with Battalion Chief 139. In cooperation with US Forest Service Fire, a full response was ordered.
Upon arrival, units were able to confirm that there was a slight extension into the vegetation. Water and foam was immediately used in the initial attack which extinguished the blaze.
Traffic was affected on the upbound side of Highway 18 for a short time as vehicles passing the fire slowed down. Once emergency crews got on scene, a San Bernardino County Fire Ambulance was used to stop all upbound traffic until CHP arrived on scene. CHP was able to then intermittently open the roadway for one lane of traffic alleviating some of the backup.
Don’s Garage was dispatched by the CHP from Running Springs bringing a flatbed to remove the burned vehicle.
The solo vehicle occupant was not injured and reported at the scene that he heard a loud “clunk” as he was driving up the hill and then the fire started. Officials at the scene are still investigating the cause of the fire, but at this time it is believed to be related to an electrical issue.
The vehicle and its contents were a total loss. Personal items including a Costco chicken were unable to be retrieved from the vehicle before it was fully engulfed. The driver, a Lake Arrowhead resident, stated at the scene that, “While Costco chickens usually come a little undercooked for my liking, it looks like this chicken ended up extra crispy.” No pictures of the chicken were available at the scene.
The highway was cleared and traffic was again moving by 3:15 p.m.
