Additional Coverage:
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency on Saturday in response to a massive warehouse fire that continues to send thick plumes of smoke across the city. The declaration is aimed at securing essential resources to help firefighters contain the blaze and protect public health.
The fire erupted Wednesday at a private cold-storage facility in the Boyle Heights neighborhood, prompting shelter-in-place orders for nearby residents due to dangerously poor air quality. Authorities advised people to seal windows, doors, and vents, turn off air conditioning units, and stay indoors with pets to minimize exposure to the hazardous smoke.
At a press briefing, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jaime Moore explained the challenges firefighters face. The warehouse holds approximately 85 million pounds of frozen food, and the building’s layout severely limits visibility inside, making it difficult for crews to move pallets or access the core of the fire.
While initial chemical hazards, such as ammonia leaks, have been stabilized, the situation has now evolved into a major biohazard issue. The decomposing food inside the warehouse is releasing toxic gases including methane, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide. These gases, trapped by structural debris, create a dangerous and explosive environment for emergency responders.
The fire is producing a highly noxious smoke composed of vaporized biological waste, posing significant health risks to nearby communities. Firefighters are combating the blaze by pumping millions of gallons of water into the facility. However, this water mixes with liquefied, decaying food and ash, generating hazardous runoff that threatens to contaminate the local sewage system and the Los Angeles River if not properly contained.
Mayor Bass emphasized that their priority remains the health and safety of residents. She is calling on the state to expedite access to disaster relief funds and resources under the California Disaster Assistance Act, aiming to remove hazardous materials from the site and prevent a broader environmental crisis.
“This is about prevention and protecting public health,” Bass stated. Fire crews continue to work tirelessly as authorities monitor air quality and provide support for affected families in the area.