On March 13th, 2019, at approximately 3:11 pm, the California Highway Patrol (Merced Area office) units responded to a report of a commercial Tractor-trailer on fire. Upon arrival, CHP officers located a fully engulfed big rig on the Shoulder of the #3 lane.

The tractor-trailer fire occurred on southbound SR-99, north of Westside Boulevard, and resulted in the closure of the #2 and #3 traffic lanes. Southbound vehicles were diverted into the #1 traffic lane.

Caltrans was requested to activate the signboard advising of stopped traffic due to the vehicle fire.

At approximately 4:25 pm the #2 traffic lane was re-opened. The #3 traffic lane remained closed for approximately three additional hours due to the recovery of the tractor-trailer.

The driver was not involved in a collision, he got out safe, the fire is still under investigation.