A fire that broke out in a suspected homeless encampment under the 110 Freeway forced the busy roadway to close in both directions
The blaze started in a tunnel beneath the freeway in the Wilmington area Monday night, closing all lanes in both directions, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The southbound lanes reopened on Tuesday morning, while the northbound lanes will remain closed indefinitely from Harry Bridges Boulevard to Channel Street.
The blaze was initially reported as “rubbish fire,” according to fire officials. Investigator believe it was sparked by homeless people, Fox 11 reported.
LAFD Public Service Officer Lyndsey Lantz told The Post that “There are encampment materials inside and around that access portal. There’s a tent and tons of debris.”
“While firefighters have removed a large amount of debris from the space, burning construction timber and other unmovable materials will require sustained suppression,” the LAFD said.
No injuries have been reported and the fire is under investigation.
Drivers traveling in the northbound lanes should expect delays as the closure remains in effect, with traffic diverted to Channel Street, according to California Highway Patrol.
KTLA reported that “it could be a couple of days” before the lanes reopen.
