Fact Check: Highway 138 Remains Partially Shut Down Due to Fires
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that multiple wildfires are currently active in the Los Angeles area, significantly impacting local infrastructure and safety. As of January 13, 2025, the Palisades Fire, which is one of the largest fires in the region, has burned through over 23,700 acres and threatens major roadways, including Interstate 405. The fire has been described as being only 14% contained, and the area is under a red-flag warning due to forecasted high winds, which could exacerbate the situation.
Additionally, the Eaton Fire has also caused significant damage, killing at least 16 people and destroying over 7,000 structures. Given the scale of these fires and the ongoing containment efforts, it is plausible that Highway 138, which intersects with other major routes in the area, could be affected by closures or restrictions.
Analysis
The claim that "Highway 138 remains partially shut down due to fires" is plausible but lacks specific confirmation from reliable sources. The Fire Activity Log does not provide detailed information about Highway 138 specifically, but it does indicate ongoing fire activity in the region. The Los Angeles Times and other media outlets have reported on the impact of the wildfires on local roads, including closures at key intersections like Highway 138 and Highway 173 in Hesperia, suggesting that access may be limited.
However, the absence of direct statements or updates specifically mentioning Highway 138 in the context of current fire activity raises questions about the accuracy of the claim. While it is reasonable to infer that the highway could be impacted given the proximity of the fires, without explicit confirmation from local authorities or fire management agencies, we cannot definitively state that Highway 138 is currently shut down.
Conclusion
Needs Research. The claim that Highway 138 remains partially shut down due to fires is plausible based on the ongoing wildfire activity in the Los Angeles area. However, the lack of specific confirmation regarding Highway 138 from reliable sources means that further investigation is needed to verify the current status of the highway.
