Fire Investigators Determine Arson as Probable Cause for Disrupting Los Angeles I-10 Traffic
Fire officials suspect arson as the likely cause of the massive blaze that led to the indefinite closure of a section of Los Angeles' Interstate 10 Investigators are actively sifting through multiple tips to determine who is responsible
Investigators are currently working on identifying the culprits behind a large-scale fire that occurred over the weekend, resulting in the indefinite closure of a portion of Los Angeles Interstate 10. Fire officials suspect that the blaze was intentionally started. Mayor Karen Bass stated on Monday that city and state agencies have been tirelessly engaged in the process of repairing and reopening this critical section of the freeway in downtown Los Angeles, which serves as a major route for over 300,000 daily drivers.
The freeway, which has been closed since Saturday, does not have a projected reopening timeline. This closure has created major transportation issues for LA residents, affecting school bus routes and nearby businesses. Impacted residents are advised to utilize public transit, work remotely, or anticipate significant traffic delays. After conducting an investigation, authorities have concluded with certainty that the fire, initially reported at a storage yard early Saturday, was deliberately set and spread to a second facility under the interstate. State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant confirmed this information on Monday.
A large fire of wood pallets at a lot south of downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, November 11.
OnScene.TV
video
Witness scorched vehicles while the freeway remains inaccessible due to the fire. However, the exact number of people involved remains uncertain, according to Berlant, who urges anyone with videos or information regarding the incident to reach out to the authorities.
Meanwhile, experts are currently assessing the structural stability of the damaged freeway and have discovered that its deck is "considerably stronger than initially evaluated," according to Governor Gavin Newsom's statement on Monday. It is still undecided whether the roadway should undergo retrofitting or be completely replaced, he added.
In response to the freeway closure, Governor Newsom has declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles County, emphasizing the substantial impact it has on the local economy and the wellbeing of Angelenos.
"Losing this section of the 10 freeway will have significant financial and time implications for individuals and businesses," expressed Bass during a news conference held on Monday. "Regarding commuters, we are currently investigating alternate options to enhance the speed and efficiency of communication routes." Providing an update on the arson investigation and the progress made towards reopening the highway, here are the key details available.
Investigators sorting through several tips, governor says
The preliminary investigation determined that the overnight fire was started with "malice intent" and was "set intentionally," Newsom announced Monday.
The state fire marshals office is currently investigating various crucial aspects related to the fire, such as the source of ignition and the possible involvement of multiple individuals. The incident is suspected to be an act of arson, according to Berlant. Newsom mentioned that they have already received some initial tips and encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward.
Investigators have been combing through the debris of the fire, looking for evidence. They are collaborating with Los Angeles firefighters to survey the neighboring areas in search of possible witnesses and any available video footage, stated the fire marshal.
In response to fire reports, the Los Angeles Fire Department dispatched firefighters to a storage yard at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Saturday. The storage yard was filled with pallets, trailers, and vehicles. Due to the wind, the fire quickly spread beneath the freeway and onto the other side of the road, where it started engulfing a second storage facility.
More than 160 firefighters were dispatched to the location, successfully safeguarding three adjacent commercial buildings while swiftly extinguishing a substantial portion of the fire within a matter of hours, as confirmed by city fire chief Kristin Crowley. No reports of injuries have been received.
Interstate 10 was empty on Monday due to a closure in the aftermath of the fire.
Jae C. Hong/AP
Bridge is not at risk of collapse, official says
Testing the safety of the highway will resume on Tuesday, Newsom said, as engineers assess how severely the infrastructure has been damaged.
"Currently, there is no belief that it will collapse," stated John Yang, the deputy district director for construction at the California Department of Transportation.
The affected section comprises a substantial bridge that spans five lanes in both directions, as reported by Yang. Transportation department director Tony Tavares mentioned that approximately 100 columns beneath the bridge were affected by the fire and are undergoing inspection.
Structural engineers will assess concrete and rebar specimens acquired from the underside of the freeway, as well as those obtained from the core, in order to formulate repair recommendations in the following days, stated California Secretary of Transportation, Toks Omishakin.
Yang expressed his confidence in the safety of workers operating in the area beneath.
According to Newsom, Apex Development holds the lease to the property where the fire started. He accused the company of violating the lease by not paying their rent and not having the necessary authorization to sublease the site to five, possibly six, tenants.
The governor mentioned that the state has been engaged in a legal battle with Apex Development for a considerable period. He added that state prosecutors will confront Apex Development in the court in the beginning of next year. CNN has reached out to Apex Development for their response.
CNNs Matt Phillips, Melissa Alonso and Andy Rose contributed to this report.
