LEBEC, CA (Monday, April 15, 2013)—On Monday evening, April 2012, around 9:20pm the engine of a 18-wheel truck caught fire on the northbound I-5, about 1 mile south of the Grapevine exit.

The tractor burned down completely and the flames spread quickly into the steep hills of the Grapevine. Within 30 minutes Kern County Fire crews from Station 55 (Tejon Ranch), 56 (Lebec), and 57 (Frazier Park) under the leadership of Battalion Chief Kushen contained the 1 acre blaze in the hills and extinguished the truck fire. Subsequently the trailer was saved from destruction and nobody was injured.

For safe fire fighting operations the CHP closed two lanes of the Interstate. Interstate 5 is now open again. [Reported by photographer G. K.]

This is part of the April 12, 2013 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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