Los Angeles warehouse fire prompts shelter-in-place orders due to hazardous air

A large warehouse fire erupted in Los Angeles' Boyle Heights neighborhood on Wednesday afternoon, sending thick, dark smoke into the sky. Firefighters responded to the blaze, which prompted officials to issue shelter-in-place orders for the surrounding area due to the risk of hazardous air. Residents were advised to close windows and doors and stay indoors. While there was initial concern about an ammonia line, that danger dissipated. The roof fire was extinguished by late afternoon, and crews began assessing the interior of the massive cold storage warehouse, owned by Lineage Logistics.

A fire erupted on the solar panel-covered roof of a 500,000 sq-ft cold storage facility in Los Angeles' Boyle Heights neighborhood on Wednesday. The blaze released thick smoke and ammonia, prompting city officials to order nearby residents to shelter in place. Approximately 110 firefighters responded, with both city and county teams deploying hazmat units. Firefighters were forced to retreat from the roof when an ammonia line burst, leading to a large off-gassing of the toxic and flammable substance. Helicopters were used to douse the fire from above. While the fire was largely contained by evening, concerns remain about the building's structural integrity and the potential presence of lithium-ion batteries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.