Crews battling brush fire burning near 210 Freeway in Tujunga

Firefighters are working to gain the upper hand on a nearly 40-acre brush fire burning off the side of the 210 Freeway near La Tuna Canyon Road in Tujunga.

The blaze was reported a little before 4:15 p.m. near eastbound lanes of the freeway, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

At the latest, crews say that the fire, which is 20% contained, has consumed 43 acres of brush on the embankment of the busy thoroughfare.

Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel are assisting in the firefight.

With SkyCal overhead, traffic on the freeway could be seen slowing to a crawl as firefighters blocked lanes with their equipment. They were able to stop the flames from jumping the freeway, instead directing them to burn downhill away from the dozens of cars looking on.

California Highway Patrol officers issued a SigAlert for the rightmost lanes to allow crews access to the area.

Crews are expected to remain on scene overnight as they continue to try to extinguish the flames.

The cause of the fire remains unclear.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.