Los Angeles motorists urged to take public transport after massive fire closes interstate

Los Angeles drivers should anticipate traffic disruptions during their Monday commute due to a significant fire that occurred over the weekend, resulting in the closure of a major elevated interstate near downtown, according to officials.

Hazardous materials teams are currently in the process of clearing the burnt debris from beneath Interstate 10. This is being done to prepare the ground for engineers who will assess the structural integrity of the highway’s columns and deck, which must support the daily passage of approximately 300,000 vehicles. Governor Gavin Newsom made this announcement during a press conference held on Sunday.

Newsom emphasized that the situation involves both an investigation into the cause of the incident and a hazardous materials and structural engineering assessment. He stated, “Can we open a few lanes? Can we reinforce the columns? Is the bridge deck still intact enough to allow for the reopening of some lanes?” These questions will be addressed through a continuous, around-the-clock effort, although a specific timeline for reopening the highway has yet to be determined.

Commuters have been strongly encouraged to either work from home or utilize public transportation when traveling into downtown Los Angeles. The closure of a one-mile stretch of Interstate 10, spanning from Alameda Street to Santa Fe Avenue, will have ripple effects on surface streets and other vital freeways, including State Route 60 and Interstate 5, as indicated by the California Highway Patrol.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with reports of flames erupting around 12:20 a.m. on Saturday. The fire engulfed two storage lots in an industrial area beneath the highway, resulting in the destruction of parked vehicles, stacks of wooden pallets, and support structures for high-tension power lines. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

More than 160 firefighters from over two dozen companies were deployed to combat the blaze, which spread across 8 acres (approximately 3 hectares), equivalent to six football fields, and continued to burn for three hours. The highway’s columns now exhibit charring and damage, while the guardrails along the deck are twisted and charred.

Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency on Saturday and directed the state Department of Transportation to request federal assistance. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also communicated with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to explore the possibility of additional resources.

Governor Newsom mentioned that the state had been engaged in legal disputes with the owner of the business that leased the storage property where the fire originated. The lease had expired, and the business was in arrears while subleasing the space. This situation was known to authorities, according to Newsom.

California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin noted that storage yards beneath highways are a common practice both statewide and nationwide. However, this practice will undergo reevaluation in light of the recent fire incident.

Additionally, 16 homeless individuals residing beneath the highway were evacuated and relocated to shelters, according to Mayor Bass. Authorities have not yet determined if the fire originated from the encampment.

Mayor Bass expressed concerns that the long-term impact of the fire may resemble the damage caused by the Northridge earthquake in 1994, which resulted in the collapse of several freeways. She cautioned that resolving this situation may not be a quick process, stating, “Unfortunately, there is no reason to think that this is going to be over in a couple of days.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Interstate Closure

More about Interstate Closure

• Los Angeles Times – Massive Fire Closes Interstate 10
• ABC News – Los Angeles Freeway Closed After Massive Fire
• NBC News – Fire Closes Major Highway in Los Angeles
• California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
• Los Angeles Mayor’s Office
• California Governor’s Office