Burbank Police Department News Release: Unattended Backpack Catches Fire

July 7, 2023 (Burbank, California) – An unattended backpack found near an Interstate 5 freeway off-ramp has burned following an examination by arson and explosive investigators.

The incident began on July 7, 2023, around 1:30 p.m., when the Burbank Police Department received a call from a passerby reporting an unattended backpack emitting smoke on the Burbank Boulevard overpass. Burbank Police and Fire Departments responded to the area and located the backpack unattended on the south sidewalk of Burbank Boulevard, near the Interstate 5 northbound freeway off-ramp. Police officers saw smoke emitting from within the backpack.

Due to the heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area, along with the uncertainty as to the contents of the backpack, the overpass and northbound Interstate 5 freeway in Burbank were closed with the assistance of the California Highway Patrol.

Investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Arson and Explosives Detail responded to the scene and examined the backpack. Following their initial examination, they conducted a closer inspection, at which time the backpack caught fire and burned completely. Investigators have not yet determined what was contained inside the backpack.

Following the investigation, all road and freeway closures were lifted, and the surrounding area was re-opened to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. No injuries were reported.

The origin of the backpack and how it ended up on the freeway overpass remains under investigation.

The Burbank Police Department would like to remind members of the community to remain vigilant and not touch, move, or handle any suspicious or unknown item, and to immediately notify local law enforcement

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QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS STATEMENT SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:
SERGEANT BRENT FEKETY | 818-238-3240 | [email protected]