Seal Beach fire causes 405 Freeway closures near 605 interchange

As critical fire weather continues to strike in Southern California, not only do first responders have their hands full with multiple fires burning in the area, they are also preparing for a storm expected this weekend that could trigger mudslides in burn scar areas. 

As of 8 p.m., there are still no formal announcements on the freeway impacted from the fire being reopened to drivers. 

Traffic impact

3:32 p.m.: A SigAlert remains in effect for the northbound 405 transition to the northbound 605 until further notice, according to the CHP.

Forward progress stopped

3:05 p.m.: Firefighters found multiple fires in the area and were able to stop forward progress in 45 minutes, according to an update from the Orange County Fire Authority. No structures were threatened and there were no reported injuries. The cause of the one-acre fire is under investigation.

Additional closures 

2:53 p.m.: CHP is shutting down the eastbound 7th St. transition to the northbound 605 Freeway.

Sig Alert continues 

2:40 p.m.: Northbound lanes of the 405 Freeway to the 605 Freeway will be closed for at least another hour, according to the CHP.

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Critical fire weather

2:10 p.m.: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 10 a.m. Friday for areas including Orange County due to strong gusty winds and very low relative humidity, according to the National Weather Service.

The fire was reported around 1:20 p.m. It started burning in brush off the freeway and quickly spread to nearby palm trees.

405 Freeway closure

1:55 p.m.: A brush fire that broke out in Seal Beach near the 405 and 605 interchange has shut down northbound lanes of the freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Smoke is visible as far away as CSU Long Beach. 

Drivers should expect significant delays and avoid the area if possible. The CHP said it is possible southbound lanes will also be impacted.