Westminster – At approximately 5:27 p.m. on Tuesday night, OCFA Engine 64 and Engine 65 responded to the southbound 405 Freeway just south of Bolsa Avenue for a traffic collision with fire, according to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA).
Once on scene, OCFA firefighter-paramedics simultaneously extinguished the vehicle fire and provided emergency medical care to the victims of the collision.
In total, three adult patients in various conditions were transported to hospitals for further care.
The cause of the accident is under investigation by the CHP.
What you should do if your vehicle is in an accident and catches fire
In cases involving a high-speed freeway collision and vehicle fire, such as the January 2026 incident on the southbound 405 near Bolsa Avenue, safety protocols for those involved and bystanders are critical.
If You Are Involved in the Collision
- Prioritize Evacuation: If your vehicle is on fire or smoking, pull over immediately, turn off the ignition, and get everyone out. Stay at least 100 feet away to avoid hazards like toxic fumes or potential explosions.
- Do Not Open the Hood: If you suspect an engine fire, do not lift the hood. This introduces oxygen, which can cause the fire to flare up instantly.
- Check for Injuries: Once at a safe distance, assess yourself and others. Do not move seriously injured victims unless they are in immediate danger from the fire.
- Call 911: Provide the dispatcher with your exact location (e.g., “southbound 405 south of Bolsa Ave”) and the nature of the emergency.
- Secure Documentation: After first responders secure the scene, exchange insurance and contact information with other parties.
If You Are a Witness
- Avoid “Rubbernecking”: Do not stop in active lanes or slow down to record the scene. This creates a secondary hazard and can lead to more collisions.
- Move Over and Slow Down: California law requires you to yield to emergency vehicles (like OCFA Engine 64 and 65) by pulling to the right edge of the road.
- Provide a Statement: If you witnessed the cause, pull over safely far from the fire and wait for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to provide a statement. Valuable witness information is often lost when people only post to social media rather than informing authorities.
- Keep the Way Clear: It is illegal to follow within 300 feet of an emergency vehicle with its siren on, and you can be arrested for driving to a disaster scene for sightseeing.
Post-Incident Actions
- Seek Medical Care: Even if you feel fine, hidden injuries from high-speed collisions can surface later. Document all hospital visits for insurance purposes.
- Cooperate with Investigation: The CHP is currently investigating the cause of the Westminster accident; involved parties should wait for the official CHP Traffic Incident Report before determining fault.