California Governor Gavin Newsom claimed on Monday, November 13, that the large fire that closed a section of Interstate 10 freeway in Los Angeles was intentional.

Newsom stated at a press conference that an initial probe revealed "malice intent" and that it was "done and set intentionally," as reported by CNN. The governor did not disclose whether there were leads or suspects as the inquiry is ongoing.

(Photo: Mario Tama / Getty Images) Fire damage is viewed beneath the closed I-10 elevated freeway following a large pallet fire, which occurred Saturday at a storage yard, on November 13, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. Engineers have been assessing the extent of the damage and it remains unknown how long the freeway, which is a major commuter artery through the downtown area, will remain closed and complicate traffic for the city. California Governor Gavin Newsom said the fire was caused by arson and that over 300,000 vehicles drive through the freeway corridor each day with drivers being urged to use public transit.

Severe Effects on LA People, Economy

When the freeway was closed, LA Mayor Karen Bass said it was a crisis for a community that had traffic problems to begin with. Because of the ongoing closure of the freeway in both directions near Alameda Street in the heart of the city's business district, she recommended commuters to set aside extra time for their trips and research other routes.

Citizens were warned by citywide text message before Monday's morning commute to brace for heavy traffic since the expressway would be blocked indefinitely.

Toks Omishakin, the state's transportation secretary, estimated that more than 300,000 people, or about the entire population of Pittsburgh, use the highway route every day.

According to Newsom, it has major implications for the city's economy, as well as the health and safety of Los Angeles residents. "The impact to our schools, to vulnerable communities - all of that we take very seriously, and we're sober and mindful of the urgency to get this open."

See Also: California Gov. Gavin Newsom Issues State of Emergency Following Massive 10 Freeway Fire in LA

Public Alert Issued

The Los Angeles Fire Department reports that early Saturday morning, November 11, a fire broke out in a storage yard and quickly spread under the freeway to a second storage facility, where it engulfed about 80,000 square feet and destroyed several vehicles. The fire chief has confirmed that no one was hurt in the incident. The city is currently rushing to assess the safety of the roadway and repair the damage.

Bass has previously warned that the issue would not be fixed in one or two days, but there is still no expected timeframe for reopening the section of interstate.

The state's transportation agency recommended that residents work from home or use other modes of transportation if at all feasible. Public schools in the area will stay open, although the LA Unified School District has indicated that school bus routes may change.

The Port of Los Angeles urged visitors to plan for severe traffic Monday morning, noting updates and alternative routes.

After the shutdown, Newsom declared a state of emergency and said the state would examine the damage and start making repairs as soon as the site was accessible.

See Also: Los Angeles I-10 Freeway Could Trigger Massive Traffic After Fire Prompts Shut Down