Federal, state, and local agencies are collaborating to address the extensive damage caused by a major fire on a crucial stretch of the 10 Freeway through downtown Los Angeles. This unexpected closure has resulted in a significant detour for approximately 300,000 commuters on their Monday morning commute. The fire, which broke out early Saturday at two storage yards near the freeway, has left officials grappling with the decision to either repair or demolish the affected section.

During a news conference on Monday morning, Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged the magnitude of the fire and emphasized that the damage cannot be rectified instantaneously. The closure spans approximately one mile of the heavily trafficked freeway, between Alameda Street and the East L.A interchange, disrupting a vital east-west route through downtown.

Engineers have been working tirelessly over the weekend to assess the extent of the damage, with updates anticipated later in the day. As a result, officials are urging car commuters to consider alternative transportation options such as Metrolink, rail lines, and local bus services, all of which are preparing for an influx of daily riders. Notably, Union Station observed a noticeable increase in parked cars on Sunday, indicating that an increasing number of individuals are opting for public transportation.

The state fire marshal, in collaboration with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, is expected to conclude its investigation on Monday, shedding more light on the cause of the massive fire. Meanwhile, mitigation of hazardous materials at the site has been completed, allowing structural engineers and maintenance crews to initiate repairs. Samples have been taken from the freeway columns and bridge deck to determine the extent of the fire's impact.

Today marks the first weekday since the disruption, and the mayor's office has issued an emergency advisory urging residents to expect the detour. Employers have been encouraged to facilitate remote work arrangements when feasible. Nearby schools will remain open despite the expected increase in traffic, particularly in Boyle Heights and south of downtown.

Authorities are diligently investigating the cause of the fire, aiming to determine the factors that led to such extensive damage and subsequent closure of the 10 Freeway. Officials anticipate "significant" traffic issues due to the detour.

Mayor Bass highlighted the cooperative efforts of agencies at the local, state, and federal levels in addressing the problem. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg personally reached out to Mayor Bass to express federal support and awareness of the impact caused by the closure of one of the nation's busiest freeway corridors.

The fire, which began in the early hours of Saturday, originated from a pallet yard under the freeway and rapidly spread to a second pallet yard. The resulting fire damaged the freeway overpass and destroyed multiple vehicles, including a firetruck.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Saturday to expedite the necessary repair work. With an estimated 300,000 vehicles passing through the affected corridor on a daily basis, Governor Newsom acknowledged the anxiety of the millions of residents in the area and assured that efforts are underway to reopen the freeway as soon as possible.