Warehouse Fire Burns for Days, Los Angeles Declares State of Emergency

(Central News Agency, Los Angeles, June 20, International News) The United States declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles today as a warehouse fire that has been burning for days and is difficult to extinguish continues to emit pungent black smoke, with firefighters struggling to contain it.

According to Agence France-Presse, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the second-largest city in the United States, stated in a release: "This is a major incident that spans multiple jurisdictions." The announcement will "ensure the city government can access the resources it needs."

Officials stated that a fire broke out on the afternoon of the 17th at a frozen food warehouse covering an area of approximately 46,400 square meters. The fire's difficulty was significantly increased due to the ignition of foam insulation, suspected ammonia leaks, and melting solar panels.

The Los Angeles Fire Department posted on Facebook: "The smell of smoke has spread to most parts of the city. We advise all residents to stay indoors as much as possible and minimize contact with outdoor air."

Although the fire has been contained within the warehouse, it continues to smolder, releasing a pungent smell of burning plastic.

At the beginning of the fire, authorities had warned residents in the warehouse's vicinity in Boyle Heights, a diverse community east of Los Angeles, to shelter in place and close their windows and doors to avoid inhaling the polluted outdoor air.

For residents who had nowhere to escape the thick smoke, authorities activated a 24-hour relief and shelter center.

However, fire officials have since rescinded the order, stating that the smoke is not toxic and is no different from the smoke produced by general building fires.

The air quality regulatory agency has issued a warning to the affected areas, urging the public to avoid outdoor activities. (Compiled by Chen Yu-ting) 1150621

Stand with the facts, and your every contribution is a force to protect press freedom.

Download the CNA "First-Hand News" APP to get the latest news in real-time.

The text, images, and audio on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.