Semi-truck fire closes Highway 41 near SLO County line, forcing detour
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A semi-truck fire on Highway 41 near the San Luis Obispo County line early Saturday morning forced the closure of the roadway and a detour on the route between the Central Coast and Fresno.
The fire was reported at 3:47 a.m., according to the CHP’s Traffic Incident Information Page, which noted the semi was fully engulfed with fire spreading to the nearby brush.
The CHP said the truck had completely melted to the frame and the walls of the trailer were “severely compromised.”
Northbound traffic was halted at the Cholame Y, with traffic being diverted to Highway 46 and Highway 33. Southbound traffic was rerouted at Highway 33 in Reef City.
Initially, CHP estimated the highway would not reopen before noon.
Late Saturday morning, CHP Officer Chris Menchen said the closure was expected to last about another hour while cleanup continued. He said CHP planned to issue a news release later in the day.
The incident, which occurred just south of the SLO County line, also prompted a hazmat response to deal with a spill on the roadway.
Menchen said the truck was traveling north on Highway 41 and approaching the summit when the driver noticed smoke and flames coming from the left front of the vehicle. The driver pulled over, and the truck soon became fully engulfed in flames.
Menchen said engine oil leaked from the truck’s oil pan, and diesel fuel also escaped. The driver estimated there were about 30 gallons of diesel fuel in the tank and took steps to help contain the fuel near a storm drain, though it was unclear how much, if any, reached the drainage system. Menchen said fuel also spread across Highway 41.
The fire also expanded into nearby vegetation and was later mapped at 0.69 acres, according to Watch Duty.
The hazmat incident prompted notifications to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
Caltrans also planned to send a hazardous materials specialist to assist with cleanup after the truck and trailer were removed from the roadway.
This story was originally published June 27, 2026 at 10:18 AM with the headline "Semi-truck fire closes Highway 41 near SLO County line, forcing detour."
