By Shawn Henry 
A Waymo autonomous vehicle drove into an active fire scene in Hollywood overnight, raising new questions about how self-driving systems interpret emergency closures and evolving road conditions.
The incident occurred on Melrose Avenue near Van Ness, where Los Angeles Fire Department crews had blocked the street while responding to a fire. Despite visible road flares and the active closure, the Waymo vehicle continued forward and entered the restricted area. Witnesses said the car appeared to be operating in ride-hailing mode and had at least one passenger seated in the back.
Video and eyewitness accounts indicate the vehicle remained inside the closed-off area for approximately 10 minutes. During that time, firefighters continued working nearby as the autonomous car sat within the emergency zone. Eventually, the vehicle performed a U-turn and exited the area without further incident.
It was not immediately clear why the self-driving system failed to recognize or respond appropriately to the road closure. Emergency scenes often rely on temporary traffic control measures such as flares, cones, and personnel directing traffic, which can differ significantly from standard lane markings and signage typically used by autonomous navigation systems.
@abcnews A Waymo ride in Hollywood took a wrong turn straight into an active fire scene.
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Waymo, the self-driving subsidiary of Alphabet, operates autonomous ride-hailing services in several U.S. cities, including Los Angeles. The company’s vehicles are designed to detect obstacles, follow traffic laws, and adapt to changing road environments. However, this incident highlights the challenges autonomous vehicles can face when confronted with dynamic, real-world emergency scenarios.
There were no reports of injuries related to the incident, and the autonomous vehicle did not interfere with firefighting operations beyond its brief presence inside the closure. Officials have not released information indicating whether the event prompted a formal review or notification to transportation or safety regulators.
As autonomous vehicles become more common on public roads, interactions with emergency responders remain a critical area of focus. Situations involving fires, crashes, or sudden closures often require rapid human judgment, something self-driving technology continues to work toward replicating safely and consistently.
The overnight incident serves as another real-world example of the complexities autonomous systems must navigate as they operate alongside first responders and the unpredictable conditions of urban streets.