Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has declared an emergency to secure resources needed to combat a significant warehouse fire in Boyle Heights. The fire emits large smoke plumes, prompting concern for residents’ health.
“The city and county have opened spaces for families seeking relief from the smoke, and we will continue working around the clock and doing everything possible to put this fire out completely,” Mayor Bass stated in a news release.
The fire began at a cold-storage warehouse last Wednesday, leading to shelter-in-place orders due to hazardous air risks. Residents were instructed to close windows, doors, and vents, turn off air conditioning, and remain indoors with pets and people.
Fire Chief Jaime Moore addressed the challenges faced, noting the warehouse contains 85 million pounds of frozen food. “Visibility inside is zero due to the layout, preventing firefighters from accessing areas to move pallets,” he explained.
Mayor Bass has requested assistance under the California Disaster Assistance Act and seeks expedited access to state resources and programs. She emphasized the focus on the health and safety of people affected, aiming to prevent a major environmental disaster by safely removing toxic materials.
“This is about prevention,” Bass remarked. “This is about protecting your public health.”
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