SigAlert: Smoking Backpack Shuts Down 5 Freeway In Burbank

LOS ANGELES, CA — The California Highway Patrol shut down all northbound lanes of the Golden State (5) Freeway after an unattended backpack emitting smoke was discovered near an offramp in Burbank.

The CHP shut down the northbound lanes of the freeway at Burbank Boulevard, issuing a SigAlert for an unknown duration Friday afternoon.

Authorities shut down the northbound side of the freeway just before 2:30 p.m., according to Burbank police and the California Highway Patrol. Traffic is being diverted at Olive Avenue.

Police and fire officials responded to the Burbank Boulevard overpass around 1:30 p.m. after receiving a call about the backpack, according to Burbank Police Department Lt. Derek Green. The suspicious nature of the item prompted the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Arson and Explosives Detail to respond, as well.

With the assistance of the California Highway Patrol, the northbound 5 was shut down in the area as a precaution for public safety, according to Green.

Burbank police said the Burbank Boulevard overpass is closed, along with freeway offramps at Burbank Boulevard. Drivers are advised to avoid the area.

Anyone with information regarding the suspicious item was urged to contact the Burbank Police Department at 818-238-3231.

City News Service contributed to this report.