Getty fire causing traffic nightmare on 405 and beyond: Here’s how to get around it

The Getty fire was creating a traffic nightmare Monday morning in one of Southern California’s worst commuting choke points.

Shortly before 9 a.m., the California Highway Patrol announced the southbound 405 Freeway was closed from the 101 Freeway to Sunset Boulevard. On- and off-ramps of the 405 through the Sepulveda Pass, where the fire started, also were closed. Officials urged drivers to avoid the 405 as well as any canyon roads to the west of the freeway, which are subject to closure.

The northbound 405 remained open, but CHP had warned earlier it was expecting a full closure of the freeway from the 101 to Sunset.

As alternative routes, officials said to consider Coldwater Canyon Avenue, Beverly Glen Boulevard and Laurel Canyon Boulevard. The 101 Freeway was also an option.

A huge swath of Brentwood, Mandeville Canyon and Pacific Palisades north of Sunset Boulevard was under mandatory evacuation orders, so streets in those areas may also be forced to close.

Portions of Sepulveda Boulevard also were shut down. Mulholland Drive should be avoided, officials warned.

While many main arteries around the 405 were closed, Los Angeles International Airport officials said the fire had not affected any flights in or out of the airport.

The fire is moving south and west, with evacuation warnings extending to Topanga Canyon and Pacific Coast Highway.