SAN DIEGO — July 25, 2025
An eastbound stretch of State Route 94 near Lemon Grove was brought to a standstill Friday night after a recreational vehicle caught fire while in motion, eventually sparking a brush fire and triggering several small explosions caught on video.
The incident began around 8:39 p.m. when witnesses reported a 26-foot RV traveling about 20 miles per hour with flames visible. According to callers to the California Highway Patrol, the driver appeared unaware that the RV was on fire until pulling over just past the Massachusetts Avenue exit.
CHP officers arrived quickly and confirmed the vehicle was fully engulfed. All eastbound lanes were shut down due to the intense flames and safety risks. The driver and any passengers were seen exiting the RV safely.
As fire crews responded, initial confusion over the location caused engines to enter the freeway to far east, forcing them to circle back. An additional engine company from San Diego was dispatched to assist. The fire had spread from the RV into a brushy embankment alongside the freeway, ultimately burning about 50 by 100 feet of vegetation before being knocked down.
Several loud pops and flashes were recorded on video and reported across social media. While the exact source is unclear, they are believed to be small explosions—possibly from tires bursting due to heat and pressure.
By 9:02 p.m., CHP had reopened the #1 lane to ease traffic congestion. The RV was later described as a total loss with “nothing left but the frame,” and was removed by a rotation tow. All lanes were fully reopened by 11:02 p.m.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
