Los Angeles motorists are facing indefinite traffic delays as authorities assess the damage caused by a massive fire that forced the closure of a major elevated interstate near downtown. Hazardous materials teams are currently clearing burned material from underneath Interstate 10 to allow engineers to evaluate the structural integrity of the highway. Governor Gavin Newsom stated that determining the cause of the fire and ensuring the safety of the highway will be a continuous operation. However, officials have not provided a timeline for when the highway might reopen.

Commuters have been advised to work from home or use public transportation to travel into downtown Los Angeles. The closure of I-10 between Alameda Street and Santa Fe Avenue will also impact surface streets and other key freeways, including State Route 60 and Interstate 5, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The fire, which started around 12:20 a.m. on Saturday, engulfed two storage lots in an industrial area beneath the highway. It burned wooden pallets, parked cars, and support poles for high-tension power lines. Chief Kristin M. Crowley of the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that the fire spread across an area equivalent to about six football fields and lasted for over three hours. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The charred and chipped columns of the highway and the twisted and blackened guardrails on the deck demonstrate the extent of the damage. Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency on Saturday and directed the state Department of Transportation to request federal assistance. Newsom also revealed that the state had been involved in litigation with the owner of the storage property where the fire originated. The lease had expired, and the business was in arrears while subleasing the space.

Officials have evacuated at least 16 homeless individuals who were living under the highway and brought them to shelters. However, there is no immediate indication that the blaze originated from the encampment. Mayor Karen Bass compared the long-term impact of the fire to the damage caused by the Northridge earthquake in 1994, which resulted in the collapse of several freeways. She warned that the situation is unlikely to be resolved quickly.

The closure of I-10 has major implications for Southern California drivers, as it is a vital route for downtown Los Angeles. The affected section of the Santa Monica Freeway near Alameda Street sustained significant damage, leading to its closure in both directions. The Los Angeles Fire Department received reports of the fire at a 200-by-200-foot storage yard on Saturday afternoon. Chief Kristin Crowley explained that the wind propelled the flames under the freeway and ignited a secondary storage yard across the street. Over 160 firefighters responded to the scene, and although several vehicles were destroyed, three nearby commercial buildings were saved.

Laura Rubio-Cornejo, the general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, warned that the closure would have a significant impact on traffic in the region. Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged the challenges that people will face when traveling to work, school, and other activities. Authorities are currently investigating the stability of the freeway while it remains closed. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles County and assured the public that resources are being mobilized to minimize the impact on travelers.