On Nov. 11, 2023, a vicious fire broke out on Interstate 10, also known as the Santa Monica Freeway, causing road closures and nightmarish traffic.  The massive fire occurred near downtown Los Angeles near Alameda Street, a section that plays a significant role in the city’s economy and daily life. Due to the closure, city officials have pushed individuals to use alternative transportation measures, including public transit and telecommuting, to mitigate the traffic catastrophe. Although it is unknown who started the fire, and what started the fire, it is suspected that it was an arsonist and not an accident.

Following the fire and subsequent closure, the California Department of Transportation worked diligently to repair the damage and reopen the freeway. After engineers and experts examined the damage, the mayor of LA and Gov. Gavin Newson announced that the interstate would reopen on Nov. 21, which it did.