Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has declared an emergency to secure the resources needed to combat a significant warehouse fire. The fire has generated substantial smoke plumes affecting the local area. “The city and county have provided spaces for families seeking relief from the smoke, and we will continue working tirelessly to extinguish the fire,” Mayor Bass stated.
The fire erupted in a privately owned cold-storage warehouse located in Boyle Heights. It began Wednesday and led to shelter-in-place orders due to hazardous air risks. Residents were advised to keep windows, doors, and vents closed, turn off air conditioning, and stay indoors with pets.
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jaime Moore addressed the ongoing challenges, noting they have managed the hazardous materials aspect and are now tackling biohazard concerns. “We have 85 million pounds of frozen food inside the facility. The layout makes access difficult due to zero visibility,” Chief Moore explained. Firefighters face obstacles in moving inside the building.
The mayor’s emergency declaration seeks recovery aid under the California Disaster Assistance Act. She called for expedited state support and access to relief programs. The primary focus remains on safeguarding health and safety for those affected. “This is about prevention and protecting public health,” Mayor Bass emphasized.