SISKIYOU COUNTY, Calif. — A vehicle fire on Interstate 5 that began Monday morning has spawned a secondary traffic emergency on Labor Day, with GPS navigation systems directing drivers onto unsuitable mountain roads, leading to additional collisions and stranded motorists.
The incident started at 10:53 AM when a silver SUV caught fire on southbound I-5 near Gibson, with the vehicle becoming “fully engulfed” according to California Highway Patrol dispatch logs. While occupants escaped safely, the fire spread to vegetation on the hillside, prompting authorities to shut down lanes 1 and 2 for suppression efforts.
As traffic began backing up, Google Maps and other navigation apps automatically rerouted drivers off the interstate. However, the alternate route proved disastrous for motorists.
“Vehicles were directed by Google Maps off I-5 due to car fire,” CHP dispatchers noted in radio traffic. “One vehicle slid back on a hill and traffic collision with another vehicle.”
The GPS systems directed drivers to Bonville Springs Road — an unpaved, steep mountain route completely unsuitable for passenger vehicles trying to bypass the interstate closure. Motorists found themselves trapped on terrain described by emergency responders as “steep off-road” with “much traffic stuck in area.”
By 1:00 PM, the situation had deteriorated significantly. “Vehicles unable to back up” on the “unsafe road,” according to CHP communications, with the incident upgraded from minor injuries to unknown injuries as additional collisions occurred.
Fire crews estimated it would take “another hour to fully contain and suppress” the original vegetation fire that has kept I-5 lanes closed since late morning.
Adding to the chaos, a separate incident on nearby Sims Road reported ATVs “blocking roadway, will not let parties pass” — possibly local residents attempting to prevent more vehicles from becoming stranded on unsuitable mountain roads.
CHP units remain on scene managing both the original vehicle fire and the secondary collisions caused by the GPS rerouting. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use established alternate routes until I-5 fully reopens on Labor Day, traditionally one of the busiest travel days of the year, likely exacerbated the situation.
No serious injuries have been reported at this time, though the full extent of the secondary collision impacts remains under investigation.
Last updated: 1:30 PM Monday, Labor Day
