A weekend pallet yard fire caused serious structural damage to a Los Angeles interstate that is used by more than 300,000 vehicles each day.
The fire started around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, in a pallet yard/industrial storage area located underneath I-10 in the downtown Los Angeles area.
No injuries were reported.
The fire burned for about 3 hours, spreading to about 8 acres before firefighters could knock it down. Several vehicles were destroyed.
The fire caused major damage to guardrails and support columns, forcing officials to close both directions of I-10 between the East LA Connector and Alameda Street until further notice.
Heavy traffic delays are expected as that portion of I-10 carries about 300,000 vehicles per day.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Saturday afternoon and requested assistance from the federal government.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the fire and interstate closure as a “crisis,” CNN reports.
“Plan for extra time & patience for your morning commute, work from home if you can, or take public transit,” the California Highway Patrol said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the the state fire marshal.
Interstate 10 is closed in both directions in downtown LA between Alameda St. & East LA interchange. Caltrans is assessing damage from a fire under I-10 & will reopen I-10 as soon as possible. In the meantime, use other routes! Here’s a peek under the freeway. pic.twitter.com/tuuiegdCpV
— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) November 12, 2023
