Fire Officials Say More LA Freeway Underpasses at Fire Risk

The city’s fire department is surveying other underpasses for hazardous materials and other code violations that led to the November 11 fire that shut down a key interstate segment.

1 minute read

November 29, 2023, 11:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Aerial view of massive Los Angeles freeway interchange with dense housing and industrial areas around it.

John McAdorey / Adobe Stock

After a fire in a freeway underpass shut down a key road segment and disrupted mobility in Los Angeles early this month, the city’s fire department surveyed similar properties and announced that almost two dozen other sites are at risk of similar fires.

The November 11 fire, started by arson, was intensified due to the types of materials stored there. The location was leased to a company that is currently in litigation with the state over subleasing and unpaid rent.

According to a Fox 11 Los Angeles article, “While Fire Code inspections are under the purview of the state, the LAFD can enforce code violations related to hazardous materials. The department said that they're going to continue surveying underpass properties throughout the city, hoping to hit them all by Nov. 30.”

Tuesday, November 28, 2023 in Fox 11 Los Angeles

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