Sanitation Truck Fire Shuts Parts of 5 Freeway in Arleta

A Los Angeles city sanitation truck caught fire on the southbound 5 Freeway beside the Osborne Street entrance in Arleta at about 3:10 p.m. on November 3. The California Highway Patrol initially closed all lanes in both directions as firefighters responded. The driver got out of the vehicle and was seen with a fire extinguisher.

Los Angeles Fire Department crews worked to put out the flames, which were described as heavy beneath the truck. The fire prompted a SigAlert, and vehicles remained at a standstill, with congestion stretching for miles. Motorists were urged to use alternate routes.

All southbound lanes were closed around 3:45 p.m. Some lanes began reopening by about 4:15 p.m., but several remained closed at 4:20 p.m. Shortly after 4 p.m., some motorists caught in the congestion were turning around and driving the wrong way to leave by the on-ramp.

The fire occurred on election day, when California polling places were scheduled to close at 8 p.m. Voters still in line at closing time are allowed to cast ballots. Investigators are working to determine what caused the fire.