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Los Angeles declares emergency over massive warehouse fire spewing toxic smoke
🇬🇷 Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Los Angeles declares emergency over massive warehouse fire spewing toxic smoke

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • A massive warehouse fire in Los Angeles has prompted Mayor Karen Bass to declare a state of emergency to secure resources.
  • The fire, which began Wednesday in Boyle Heights, released toxic smoke, leading to shelter-in-place orders for residents.
  • Officials are working to extinguish the blaze and manage hazardous materials and biological risks, with concerns for public health and the environment.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency Saturday to mobilize resources for a sprawling warehouse fire that has blanketed the city in thick smoke. The blaze, which ignited Wednesday in the Boyle Heights neighborhood, forced residents to shelter in place due to hazardous air quality.

The city and county have opened cooling centers for families seeking refuge from the smoke, and we will continue to work around the clock, doing everything possible to fully extinguish this fire.

— Karen BassMayor of Los Angeles, announcing the state of emergency.

"The city and county have opened cooling centers for families seeking refuge from the smoke, and we will continue to work around the clock, doing everything possible to fully extinguish this fire," Bass said in a press release announcing the emergency declaration. Residents were instructed to close windows, doors, and vents, turn off air conditioners, and keep people and pets indoors.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jaime Moore stated that the dangerous materials portion of the fire has been contained, and the focus is now on biological hazards. "We have 38.5 million pounds of frozen food inside this facility, and due to the building's layout, it's very difficult for us to get inside because visibility is zero," Moore explained. "Our firefighters can't just go in and start moving pallets."

We have 38.5 million pounds of frozen food inside this facility, and due to the building's layout, it's very difficult for us to get inside because visibility is zero. Our firefighters can't just go in and start moving pallets.

— Jaime MooreLos Angeles Fire Department Chief, explaining the challenges of fighting the fire.

Mayor Bass has requested assistance for recovery under California's Disaster Assistance Act and urged the state to expedite access to resources and relief programs. Her primary concern remains the health and safety of those affected, aiming to remove toxic materials safely and prevent further environmental damage. "This is about prevention," she emphasized. "It's about protecting public health."

This is about prevention. It's about protecting public health.

— Karen BassMayor of Los Angeles, emphasizing the goals of the emergency response.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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