California's 10 Freeway remains closed after Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency on Saturday due to a massive industrial fire.
While it was not immediately clear when the busy thoroughfare would reopen, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is set to hold a press conference at noon. The official is expected to discuss the extent of the fire's damage. Furthermore, Bass' staff have been working to assess the possibility of an ongoing closure.
California Freeway Fire
The blaze exploded early on Saturday in one pallet yard where materials and pallets were being kept and the fire quickly spread to another. It burned so hot for several hours that it caused damage to the infrastructure of the freeway.
Caltrans noted that a full evaluation was needed to determine the needed repairs for the 10 Freeway. However, that would have to wait until Hazmat materials specialists determine whether or not the pallets were coated with toxic substances. They would also have to identify the contents of 55-gallon drums that were located on the site, as per CBS News.
Engineers from Caltrans would also have to test the concrete in the area to determine whether or not the pillars and the bridge deck are safe. In a statement, Caltrans' Jim Medina said that the engineers would check for hazardous materials.
He added that the personnel will assess the damage after the tests are done and it is deemed safe to go in. Medine noted that it would be significant to make sure they can make the repairs for public safety.
Medina also said that crews would be working to assess potential pavement damage that could have resulted from the heat of the fire. He noted that they have to assess structurally what can be repaired or the extent of the damage. He said the situation is unfortunate as the freeway is a major artery for downtown.
Shocking images from the blaze showed immense flames shooting up into the sky while consuming a highway overpass. The fire also sent homeless people who were living beneath the road scrambling for their safety, according to the New York Post.
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Assessing the Damage
In a statement following the fire, Newsom said that the state was mobilizing resources and taking necessary steps to ensure repairs were completed as soon as possible. He added that these would minimize the impact on the people traveling in and around Los Angeles.
More than 160 firefighters worked to put out and successfully contain the eight-acre fire. Photographs of the area showed charred and cracked concrete pillars holding the overpass.
Officials have not yet identified a cause of the fire but the California governor said that there is already "current litigation" against the company that leases the land around the freeway. However, he declined to further comment on the situation or alleged violations at the site.
Authorities also issued instructions for travelers Eastbound and Westbound I-10, notifying them about alternative routes that they can take, said the San Francisco Gate.
