Brush Fire Shuts Down 118 Freeway; Briefly Threatens Buildings

GRANADA HILLS, CA — A brush fire shut down both sides of the Ronald Reagan (118) Freeway as fire crews worked in triple-digit heat to contain the blaze Thursday afternoon.

Firefighters were able to stop the forward progress of the blaze in just over a half hour. However, as of 3:30, the freeway remained shut down as crews mopped up hot spots.

The blaze was reported as a grass fire burning on the south side of the freeway near Balboa Boulevard at 2:43 p.m., according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Margaret Stewart.

"That fire jumped the freeway and was at 3/4 acre on the north side, threatening structures," she said. "Firefighters extinguished all fire with no structures damaged and no injuries reported."

The fire is mostly out, but crews are continuing to soak potential hotspots, Stewart added at 3:18 p.m.

Stewart warned residents to expect the evening rush hour to be impacted by the firefighting efforts.

"Evening commute will likely be affected and drivers are advised to check for alternate routes and CHP for closure updates," she said.