110 freeway closed in both directions in Wilmington for fire near encampment – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)
Wilmington — Commuters bound for the Port of Los Angeles faced hours of backups Tuesday morning after a rubbish fire in a tunnel beneath the 110 Freeway triggered a complete closure in both directions. The incident began late Monday evening and persisted into the day, complicating travel for workers and truckers in the busy harbor district. Firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department navigated hazardous conditions to battle the flames, prioritizing safety in the confined underground space.[1][2]
Blaze Erupts in Hidden Tunnel
The fire broke out around 8:50 p.m. Monday under the northbound lanes of the Harbor Freeway near the boundary of Wilmington and San Pedro. Responders arrived to find heavy smoke billowing from the tunnel entrance, fueled by accumulated rubbish including wooden structures linked to a homeless encampment nearby. Scattered clothing and tarps lay discarded outside, signaling the scale of materials involved.[1]
By 11 p.m., crews had spent over an hour accessing the fire in the tight confines. Los Angeles Fire Department units, including Heavy Rescue and Urban Search and Rescue teams, joined with a Caltrans engineer to plan the approach. No one suffered injuries, though the operation demanded careful tactics amid heat buildup in nearby voids.[2]
Firefighters Confront Persistent Flames
Overnight efforts focused on locating and mitigating the fire, with crews considering specialized tools like a firefighting robot due to the risks. Much debris proved removable, but burning construction timber and fixed materials resisted quick extinguishment. Responders weighed options such as sealing the entrance to flood it with water or foam.[1]
Into Tuesday, the blaze smoldered on, prompting an extended response. Additional engine companies and hazardous materials units reinforced the scene. A SigAlert warned drivers of the hazards, as the closure spanned from Harry Bridges Boulevard northbound to Channel Street southbound. LADOT and LAPD managed overflows on surface streets.[3]
Morning Rush Turns to Standoff
The shutdown struck at peak travel time, stranding port employees and delaying cargo hauls critical to the regional economy. Alternate paths quickly congested, with the 710 Freeway, Gaffey Street, and Western Avenue seeing surges. Early reports described miles-long tails snaking through industrial zones.
- Northbound travelers: Use 710 Freeway east, then surface streets north.
- Southbound: Divert via Gaffey Street or Western Avenue to bypass.
- Port access: Expect delays at key interchanges like Vincent Thomas Bridge.
Officials urged remote work where possible and patience from essential drivers. The port’s role in global trade amplified the ripple effects, as even partial blockages test the area’s logistics web.[1]
Questions Linger on Cause and Cleanup
Investigators have yet to pinpoint the fire’s origin, though the encampment debris raised immediate concerns about fire risks in such sites. Similar incidents have highlighted vulnerabilities under freeways, where shelter meets infrastructure. Crews cleared large volumes of waste, yet unmovable elements demanded ongoing vigilance.
As suppression continued Tuesday, no timeline emerged for reopening. The effort underscored the complexities of urban firefighting, especially near high-traffic corridors. For local residents and workers, the closure served as a stark reminder of how quickly hidden hazards can upend daily routines.
With the port humming nearby, prolonged delays could squeeze supply chains further. Fire officials remained committed to a thorough knockout, ensuring safety before lanes resume flow. The human cost, from displaced individuals to frustrated drivers, lingers amid the smoke’s fade.[3]
