Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency Saturday to secure necessary resources for combating a large warehouse fire in Boyle Heights that has been releasing smoke plumes across the region. The declaration aims to expedite access to state relief programs and resources.
The fire, which began Wednesday at a privately owned cold-storage warehouse, prompted shelter-in-place orders in the surrounding area due to concerns about hazardous air. Residents were advised to seal their homes by closing windows, doors, and vents, and to turn off air conditioning systems. They were also instructed to keep people and pets in an interior room.
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jaime Moore stated that hazardous materials concerns have been addressed, and the focus has shifted to biohazard challenges. He explained that the facility contains 85 million pounds of frozen food, and the building's layout presents significant challenges, including zero visibility, which prevents firefighters from easily accessing and moving pallets.
Mayor Bass emphasized that the primary concern is the health and safety of those affected by the fire. The emergency declaration seeks assistance in managing and disposing of toxic materials to prevent a larger environmental disaster, framing the effort as a preventative measure to protect public health.