Vehicle fire burns 38 acres after driver falls asleep at the wheel in Thermal area, SIG Alert issued
A vehicle fire spread to nearby vegetation, burning approximately 38 acres, injuring a firefighter, and causing major traffic along State Route 86 in the Thermal area. A "long-term" road closure is expected in the area.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a vehicle was reported at around 5:23 p.m. at SR 86 near 70th Avenue.
CAL FIRE confirmed that the first reports indicated that a vehicle involved in a roll over crash was fully engulfed in flames. CHP added that the driver fell asleep at the wheel and overturned onto the right shoulder.
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The driver exited the vehicle and the vehicle caught on fire. The fire spread to nearby brush.
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The fire ultimately burned 38 acres before forward progress was stopped just before 7:00 p.m., CAL FIRE confirmed.
Officials said a firefighter was transported to a local hospital with a minor injury. The driver of the vehicle that crashed declined further treatment at the scene.
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The north and southbound sides of SR-86 were impacted. A SIG alert was issued for a long-term closure of the highway. Traffic was being diverted off of SR-86 near 81st Avenue as the northbound lanes remained shut down Friday evening.
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News Channel 3 crew could see smoke out as far as Desert Hot Springs High School during our 6:30 p.m. newscast.
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In Desert Mirage High School, just a few miles away from the fire, News Channel 3 crew at the scene heard the fire alarms blaring while football players were getting ready for their game.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.