210 Freeway fire is knocked down, contained to 1 acre

Firefighters put out a roughly 1-acre blaze that blackened trees and brush on the westbound Foothill (210) Freeway, east of Pennsylvania Avenue, officials said.

Witnesses reported smoke and fire about 12:55 p.m., prompting Los Angeles County Fire Department officials to move into a full-brush assignment, Inspector Quvondo Johnson said. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze from spreading and it was knocked down at 1:47 p.m.

“We do train for this,” Johnson said. “It’s that time of year and because of the weather we are on high alert.”

California Highway Patrol officers shut down the two right lanes of the freeway and the Pennsylvania off ramp as crews fought the blaze. The freeway lanes and off ramp were expected to be reopen sometime shortly after 4 p.m., according to the CHP.

Los Angeles and Glendale fire crews also assisted during the fire.

Hot temperatures reaching into the 90s were expected to continue until Thursday in the Glendale area.

-- Veronica Rocha, Times Community News

Follow Veronica on Google+ and Twitter: @VeronicaRochaLA