What we know about air quality after massive Boyle Heights fire
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A massive fire at a Boyle Heights warehouse was extinguished Wednesday evening, but residents in several Eastside neighborhoods are still trying to assess air quality as well as possible health risks from ammonia that leaked during the blaze.The fire originated on the solar-panel-covered roof of a cold storage facility at 1400 S.Los Palos St.
The flames reached an ammonia line, which started off-gassing and led to several small explosions, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.LAFD Fire Chief Jaime Moore said that the ammonia leak was not toxic to individuals unless they had respiratory issues or came into direct contact with the ammonia.
California Los Angeles Fire Department ground crews, hazardous materials teams and three water-dropping helicopters were deployed to the blaze.Anhydrous ammonia is widely used as a refrigerant in industrial settings.The regulated toxic substance is corrosive to the skin, eyes and lungs, and high levels of exposure can lead to choking, burns and death, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.There were no reports of injuries.The fire sparked a shelter-in-place order that covered an area extending roughly from south of the 101 Freeway to Washington Boulevard, and east of Soto Street to Indiana Street.
Residents in those areas were told to stay indoors, close vents and shut off air conditioning.The order was lifted Wednesday night.A smoke advisory was also issued for a broad swath of East Los Angeles, with members of the public urged to limit outdoor exercise and those with health issues to remain indoors.An air quality advisory is in place east of downtown Los Angeles and in portions of the San Gabriel Valley until 10 a.m.
Thursday, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.The AQMD deployed a mobile air monitor to take measurements of metals following the path of the plume.There were elevated levels of partic...