With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
Fire sparked by big rig accident shuts down I5 southbound lanes in the Grapevine
The big rigs that sparked a brush fire, shutting down the southbound Interstate 5 in the Grapevine on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017.
(
Courtesy Jim Newton
)
A brush fire sparked by a big rig accident in the Grapevine on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017.
(
Courtesy Jim Newton
)
A brush fire sparked by a big rig accident in the Grapevine on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017.
(
Courtesy Jim Newton
)
Aircraft fight a fire in the Grapevine on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017.
(
Courtesy Jim Newton
)
A brush fire sparked by a big rig accident in the Grapevine on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017.
(
Courtesy Jim Newton
)
A traffic accident involving two burning big rig trucks that sparked a brush fire shut down southbound lanes of Interstate 5 in the Grapevine during Thursday afternoon traffic, according to the California Highway Patrol.
A hillside near the accident was "burning vigorously" before beginning to subside around 4, UCLA Blueprint editor Jim Newton told KPCC.
"It seems like they're making headway — the smoke is subsiding some, but people are out of their cars, and walking around, and taking pictures — generally getting restless, I would say," Newton said.
Fire units, CHP officers and hazmat all responded to the scene, Newton said. There were also helicopters, as well as planes dropping flame retardant on the fire. The accident happened around 3 p.m.
Support for LAist comes from
"I assume some people will be in this a very, very long time, because [the traffic jam] goes back as far as the eye can see," Newton said. "It's very hot. My car thermometer registers 99 degrees. ... It's hard to walk around because it's so hot."
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures.
Best of LAist