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.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Silver Lake Structure Fire Spreads To Freeway [UPDATE]
The Los Angeles Fire Department is currently battling a large fire in Silver Lake. The fire, which originated with a structure on the 2200 block of Allesandro Way, was first reported just after 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon. The flames quickly spread to nearby brush, before reaching the nearby 2 freeway, where they appear to have spread down the median. LAFD officer Erik Scott told LAist that more than 75 firefighters were responding from the ground and air, and that no injuries had been reported.
The 2 freeway is closed in both directions in Echo Park, according to Mekahlo Medina of NBC News, who also reports that three homes are now engulfed in the fire.
The National Weather Service had previously issued red flag fire danger warnings for Los Angeles and Oxnard County due to the extreme heat. The warnings are in effect from Sunday to Tuesday.
So, the freeway at the bottom of my neighborhood appears to be on fire. pic.twitter.com/ru3TiCrKG0
— Laura J. Nelson 🦅 (@laura_nelson) June 19, 2016
Support for LAist comes from
The Eastsider reports that residents have been evacuating from neighboring Corralitas Drive, Lake View Avenue and Silver Ridge Avenue.
Update [2:40 p.m.]: The LAFD reports that there are now more than 150 firefighters on the scene, working to keep the flames from moving west of Silver Ridge Avenue and east of Corralitas Drive. The southern end of the 2 freeway (south of the 5 freeway) remains closed, according to the Daily News.
Update [3:00 p.m.]: LAFD officer Erik Scott reports that the fire is now 100 percent contained. According to the LAFD, five acres of medium to heavy brush burned, along with two non-residential structures (possibly sheds). No homes burned, although five were threatened near Lake View Avenue and Silver Ridge Avenue.
Update [3:45 p.m.]: The fire remains out, but the 2 freeway in Echo Park is still closed in both directions.
Update [4:15 p.m.]: According to the CHP, the 2 freeway remains closed to southbound traffic at the intersection of the 5 freeway; a detour is available.
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
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
Best of LAist