Both sides of 110 Freeway shut down in San Pedro after fire erupts in tunnel – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
San Pedro, May 5 – A fire that ignited in a pedestrian tunnel under the 110 Freeway late Monday evening prompted authorities to close both northbound and southbound lanes through the night and into Tuesday morning. The blaze, linked to materials in a homeless encampment, complicated firefighting efforts and raised concerns about structural integrity. Closures stretched over a mile near the Port of Los Angeles, disrupting commutes and port access.[1][2]
Blaze Erupts in Pedestrian Passageway
Los Angeles firefighters responded to reports of a rubbish fire around 8:50 p.m. on May 4 in a tunnel beneath the northbound lanes of the 110 Freeway. The incident occurred near West Harry Bridges Boulevard and Channel Street, in an area known for homeless encampments lined with wood and debris.[3][4] Items such as clothing, tarps, and wooden structures fueled the flames, which quickly intensified.
Initial calls described the fire as involving trash, but crews soon discovered challenges posed by the tunnel’s confined space. Smoke, heat, and heavy materials prevented direct entry, forcing responders to adopt indirect tactics. No injuries occurred, and it remained unclear if anyone occupied the tunnel at the time.[5]
Firefighters Face Access Hurdles
The Los Angeles Fire Department deployed resources above and below the freeway to combat the blaze. Water lines stretched from ground level up to engines on the roadway, creating a relay system amid limited access. A Caltrans structural engineer evaluated the overpass for safety before allowing any overhead operations.[2]
Assistant Chief Carlos Calvillo of the LAFD explained the difficulties: “Firefighters haven’t been able to get inside the tunnel because of the smoke, heat and intensity.”[3] By Tuesday morning, crews had removed much debris but contended with smoldering timber and immovable obstacles. The operation drew collaboration from the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans, with no timeline for full extinguishment.[4]
Major Traffic Disruptions Grip the Area
Northbound lanes shut down around 9:45 p.m. Monday, followed by southbound closures just before 3:30 a.m. Tuesday. The full shutdown spanned about a mile-and-a-half between Harry Bridges Boulevard and Channel Street, issuing a Sigalert and forcing drivers onto local arterials.[1]
Motorists faced backups heading to and from the Port of Los Angeles. Authorities recommended alternatives including the 710 Freeway, Gaffey Street, and Western Avenue. The closure exacerbated morning rush-hour congestion through Wilmington and San Pedro, with potential extensions into Wednesday or longer due to inspection needs.[4]
- Northbound closure: West Channel Street
- Southbound closure: West Harry Bridges Boulevard
- Affected stretch: Vincent Thomas Bridge to Harry Bridges Boulevard
- Key detours: 710 Freeway, Gaffey Street, Western Avenue
Officials Monitor Structural Concerns
CHP Officer Mike Nasir confirmed the indefinite closure, noting assessments for roadway safety. LAFD prepared for a prolonged effort, as flames smoldered into daylight hours. The cause stayed under investigation, though encampment materials clearly contributed.[3]
As crews cleared the site Tuesday morning, focus shifted to inspections and cleanup. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in under-freeway spaces amid ongoing urban challenges. Reopening hinged on full fire suppression and engineering clearance, leaving commuters to navigate delays.[1]
