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.”
The incident, which occurred just south of the SLO County line, also prompted a hazmat response to deal with a spill on the roadway.
The fire also ignited a vegetation fire that was later mapped at 0.69 acres, according to Watch Duty. The CHP incident log shows the response expanded into a hazardous materials incident, prompting 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.
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.
The CHP estimated the highway would not be reopened before noon and asked drivers to avoid the area.
This story was originally published June 27, 2026 at 10:18 AM.
