California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency after a devastating fire caused the closure of a major section of Interstate 10 near Los Angeles. The blaze, which started in a storage yard under the freeway, was brought under control by firefighters after three long hours of battling the inferno.

As of today, the affected portion of the highway remains closed, and there is no estimated timeline for when it will reopen. Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass are collaborating to utilize all available resources to expedite the reopening of this critical transit corridor.

Acknowledging the significance of the situation, Governor Newsom emphasized the comprehensive response being undertaken: “This is a whole of government initiative aimed at swiftly and securely reopening this vital transportation artery for the people of Los Angeles. We want to assure all residents that extensive resources have been mobilized to minimize the impact caused by the damage.”

With 287,500 daily commuters relying on this particular stretch of Interstate 10, the closure is causing significant disruptions. Despite the closure, however, schools in Los Angeles will remain functional, though it is anticipated that bus routes may be affected.

In response to the crisis, the city is initiating various measures to mitigate the inconvenience for motorists. These include encouraging the use of alternate routes, exploring the usage of public transportation, and advising commuters to allocate additional time for their journeys.

Mayor Bass has also reached out to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a bid to secure federal resources that could assist in expediting the repairs and reopening of the affected section of the highway.

FAQ

How did the fire start?

The fire originated as a rubbish fire in a storage yard under the freeway, which contained pallets, trailers, and vehicles.

Is there an estimated timeline for the reopening of the highway?

As of now, officials have not provided an estimated timeline for the reopening of the affected section of Interstate 10.

How many vehicles use the closed portion of the highway on a daily basis?

Approximately 287,500 vehicles utilize the stretch of Interstate 10 that is currently closed on a daily basis.

Will the closure impact school operations?

While schools in Los Angeles will remain open, it is anticipated that bus routes may be affected due to the highway closure.