Section of I-10 in Los Angeles is closed due to a fire

The fire occurred over the weekend in an industrial warehouse located under I-10 in downtown Los Angeles.

The intense fire caused extensive damage to guardrails and support columns, forcing officials to close both directions of I-10 between the East LA Connector and Alameda Street.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Saturday afternoon and asked for help from the federal government. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the fire and freeway closure a “crisis situation.”

As it turned out during the investigation, the arson was set deliberately. The route experiences significant traffic delays as approximately 300,000 vehicles travel along this portion of I-10 daily.

“Allow extra time and patience for your morning commute, work from home if possible, or take public transportation,” the California Highway Patrol said.