405 Freeway near LAX reopened after grass fire caused rush-hour closures

A grass fire has forced the California Highway Patrol to close most lanes of the 405 Freeway near LAX.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said the 1-acre blaze started at about 5:23 p.m. near the transition between the 405 and 105 freeways. 

It did not threaten any buildings, but the firefighting effort prompted the CHP to close most of the lanes. Motorists were urged to use alternate routes.

Since the fire was within their jurisdiction, the Los Angeles County Fire Department took over operations. Firefighters said the fire grew to about 4 acres before crews stopped forward progress.

Authorities reopened the 405 Freeway later in the night, but the transition road connecting it to the 105 Freeway remained closed as of 9 p.m.