L.A. faces state of emergency as Boyle Heights fire continues spewing caustic smoke across region

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L.A.city officials said Saturday they expected to declare a state of emergency as firefighters continue to battle a stubborn warehouse fire in Boyle Heights that has sent plumes of irritating smoke across the region.Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jamie Moore described the blaze that broke out Wednesday as a “very unique fire, a very unique challenge for the Los Angeles Fire Department, for the city of Los Angeles, but also for the County of Los Angeles.”The 500,000-square-foot commercial building at 1400 S.

Los Palos St.houses 85 million pounds of frozen food “like a giant cooler,” he said.

The corrugated steel walls are filled with very dense foam that is burning slowly and off-gassing despite ongoing water drops from helicopters.Moore cautioned people with lung issues or smoke sensitivity to avoid outdoor activities, but said crews have mitigated the hazardous-materials portion of the blaze and are now focused on the biohazard portion posed by spoiled food.A shelter-in-place order for residents was lifted on Friday, but many across the region on social media reported thick smoke smells, haze and poor air quality in the San Gabriel Valley, Northeast Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, downtown Los Angeles and many other areas.Some said the smoke was as bad, if not worse, than during the Eaton fire that burned in Altadena in January 2025.The Red Cross has opened two smoke respite shelters at City Terrace Park at 1126 North Hazard Avenue and Pecan Recreation Center at 145 S.

Pecan Street.Mayor Karen Bass said a state of emergency declaration is pending, and that she has reached out to Gov.Gavin Newsom for additional support.“Our chief concern is for your safety and for your health,” Bass said.

“No smoke is good, but especially the smoke that could be toxic because of the chemicals that were needed to keep the food frozen in the facility.”L.A.County health officer...