A fire broke out in a storage yard underneath the 10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles, causing significant damage and disruptions.
Authorities have released photographs and a description of a person of interest in connection with the fire.
The land under the freeway has been leased to Apex Development Inc. since 2008, and the state had previously identified fire and safety hazards at the site.
A fire that broke out in a storage yard underneath the 10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles has led to significant disruptions and sparked a debate about the city's reliance on freeways. The fire, which was determined to be incendiary, completely destroyed the storage yard filled with pallets, construction materials, and used vehicles, spreading about eight acres. The blaze was fueled by these flammable materials stored under the roadway in violation of the company's lease. The land under the freeway has been leased to Apex Development Inc. since 2008.
State investigators had identified fire and safety hazards at the storage space before it was destroyed in the fire. State inspectors had visited the site six times since early 2020 and flagged problematic conditions. The state is currently in litigation with Apex Development Inc. for $78,000 in unpaid rent.
The fire caused damage to parts of the 10 Freeway, melting some of the freeway's steel guardrails and damaging fire engines. The freeway is expected to reopen next week after hazardous materials have been cleared.
Authorities have released photographs and a description of a person of interest in connection with the fire. The man is approximately six feet tall, weighs 170 to 190 pounds, and is believed to be between the ages of 30 and 35 with black hair. He was seen in a black hoodie and appeared to have burn injuries on his left leg.
The closure of Interstate 10 has led to significant traffic disruption, but has also led to calls for a rethink of the city's car-centric approach to transportation. Some are advocating for more public transit options and less reliance on cars. The freeway system in Los Angeles has a complex history, with its construction often displacing low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.
State investigators had identified fire and safety hazards at a storage space under an elevated Los Angeles freeway before it was destroyed in an arson fire.
The land under the freeway has been leased to Apex Development Inc. since 2008.
State inspectors had visited the site six times since early 2020 and flagged problematic conditions.
The state had filed a lawsuit against Apex for $78,000 in unpaid rent.