CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A section of Interstate 5 will be temporarily closed Saturday afternoon due to a controversial live-fire military demonstration at Camp Pendleton, prompting some concerns from state officials over public safety.
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Governor Gavin Newsom issued a sharp statement Saturday morning, blasting the federal government’s decision to move forward with the event, which involves live artillery fire in close proximity to the heavily trafficked I-5 freeway.
“The President is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety,” said Newsom. “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous.”
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The state was first alerted to the planned event between Oct. 17-18, which includes live-fire exercises near I-5 and even signage warning drivers of: “Overhead fire in progress.” According to officials, a practice round was observed Friday by state personnel near the freeway. Early Saturday morning, the federal government confirmed that live fire activity is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the governor.
As a result, the California Highway Patrol has ordered a temporary closure of a section of I-5 near Camp Pendleton during the exercise, citing “extreme life safety risk” and the potential for dangerous driver distraction due to unexpected loud explosions…