10 Freeway Shut Down Indefinitely After Massive Storage Yard Fire

LOS ANGELES, CA — Parts of the 10 Freeway in Los Angeles were closed indefinitely in both directions Saturday after two pallet yards caught fire, damaging an overpass and destroying at least one fire truck, according to authorities and reports. A state of emergency was declared by California's governor in response to the fire.

The fire was first reported shortly after 12:20 a.m. in the 1700 block of East 14th Street, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department's Margaret Stewart.

Firefighters from 26 companies worked to contain and extinguish the major fire after it started in one downtown pallet yard and spread to another.

The first pallet yard was located under the Santa Monica Freeway, prompting the California Highway Patrol to issue a SigAlert shortly before 1:20 a.m. Authorities shut down the freeway in both directions at Alameda Street and diverted eastbound traffic at Alameda Street and westbound at Santa Fe Avenue.

Officials told the Los Angeles Times the closure will likely last more than 24 hours while CalTrans crews inspect the structural integrity of the overpass.

“As of now, the freeway is shut down indefinitely,” Lauren Wonder, a CalTrans spokeswoman, told the Times. “I would encourage people to avoid this area between the East L.A. interchange and Alameda Street.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Tuesday night in Los Angeles County. The state is assessing damage, removing hazardous waste and conducting repairs.

"The state is mobilizing resources and taking steps to ensure any necessary repairs are completed as soon as possible to minimize the impact on those traveling in and around Los Angeles," said Newsom, who encouraged residents to follow CalTrans and California Highway Patrol for updates on the freeway.

The first pallet yard was 40,000 square feet and flames engulfed multiple trailers, Stewart said. The flames spread to a second pallet yard of similar size between Lawrence and Elwood streets, she said.

Shortly after 2:30 a.m., Stewart said pallets in both yards were mostly consumed by the flames and firefighters would use bulldozers to move debris and put out hot spots.

"Firefighters have successfully defended three exposed commercial buildings from fire extension," Stewart said.

Residents of a homeless encampment located beneath the overpass escaped with no injuries, fire officials told KTLA. Several nearby cars and trailers parked on the street were completely torched, the station reported.

The Department of Water and Power assisted by boosting water pressure in the area for the high volume needed, Stewart said. The agency also dealt with the cross arm of energized high-tension wire that fell on 14th Street.

The first fire engine on the scene became stuck under the freeway overpass, according to a news videographer at the scene. It burned in the blaze.

City News Service contributed to this report.