shelter-in-place issued – A thick plume of black smoke rose from a Boyle Heights storage facility Wednesday afternoon as hazardous materials teams battled a blaze burning solar panels on the roof. Shelter-in-place orders were issued for areas east of the fire, and residents were warned
When thick black smoke began pouring over Boyle Heights Wednesday afternoon. families and workers in the surrounding area were told to stop whatever they were doing and get inside. The Los Angeles Fire Department issued shelter-in-place orders as firefighters battled a massive blaze burning solar panels on the roof of a storage facility.
Fire officials said at least 80 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel. including hazardous materials teams. were deployed to the conflagration at 1400 S. Los Palos St. A shelter-in-place order was issued in areas east of the blaze because of the heavy smoke being generated. The affected area was described as extending roughly from south of the 101 Freeway to Washington Boulevard. and east of Soto Street to Indiana Street. Residents were warned of “hazardous materials nearby.”.
In an alert, fire officials urged people to act immediately: “Get inside IMMEDIATELY and close all windows and doors.” They also said to “Turn off air conditioning/heating,” and to “Bring all people and pets to an inside room and close all vents until you receive more instructions.”
A smoke advisory was issued in a broad swath of East Los Angeles, with members of the public urged to limit outdoor exercise and those with health issues to go indoors.
Crews responded to the incident at 2:35 p.m. They initially took an offensive position battling the fire atop a 1,000-by-500-foot commercial building, according to the LAFD. But within the hour. firefighters were called off the roof and out of the building as the situation grew more dangerous. forcing a shift to a defensive posture.
The building is owned by Lineage Logistics, which provides cold storage and blast freezing inside 491,000 square feet of warehouse space, according to its website. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
As the smoke darkened the sky, helicopter footage showed crews spraying water at a distance while a thick black layer of smoke rose from the burning portion of the building. A firefighting helicopter was also being used to drop water on the structure from above.
L.A. City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado. who represents Boyle Heights. said her office was closely monitoring the fire and thanked emergency crews working to control the blaze. In a statement. Jurado said. “We know how frightening it is to see heavy smoke in your neighborhood. especially for families. workers. small businesses. and commuters who are trying to understand what is happening and how to stay safe.” She added. “Right now. the most important thing is to follow the shelter-in-place order that has been issued because of the smoke.”.
This story is developing and will be updated.
Boyle Heights fire shelter-in-place hazardous materials Los Angeles Fire Department smoke advisory Lineage Logistics solar panels 1400 S. Los Palos St.