Raging structure fire, explosion shuts down eastbound 10 Freeway lanes

A raging fire erupted from an outbuilding next to the 10 Freeway in Palms, causing an explosion and heavily impacting eastbound traffic on Sunday evening.

The Los Angeles Fire Department first reported the fire at 7:16 p.m., saying heavy fire was showing from the rear of a two-story commercial building located at 3387 Livonia Ave.

Flames were measured to be about 50 by 100 feet when crews arrived, and the blaze was exposing vegetation on the side of the 10 Freeway.

LAFD and the California Highway Patrol began working together to push traffic away from the fire, limiting eastbound lanes, which consequently slowed westbound traffic.

In a 7:41 p.m. update, LAFD said crews were continuing to battle the fire, then measured at 20 by 50 feet, when an explosion burst next to the freeway and downed power lines.

Footage from Citizen.com showed the fiery blast erupt beside the freeway, right behind the “La Cienega Blvd ¾ mile” sign.

“Traffic on the 10 Freeway will be impacted by both smoke and emergency operations,” said LAFD’s alert. “Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes between National Boulevard to Palms Boulevard.”

LAFD announced firefighters knocked down the blaze just before 8 p.m., saying the fire extended into the brush adjacent to the freeway and created smoky conditions that required the shutdown of the eastbound traffic.

“The building housed an auto business,” LAFD said, “and the explosion earlier is believed to be connected to the vehicles (possibly magnesium components).” 

It took a total of 84 LAFD firefighters and two engines from the Culver City Fire Department to extinguish the flames within 43 minutes.

Officials said the L.A. Department of Water and Power was notified of the arching and downed wires.

“Firefighters will remain on scene conducting overhaul and mop-up operations for an undetermined duration,” LAFD concluded.

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