Major warehouse fire in Los Angeles raises toxic air pollution concerns

A major fire involving solar panels broke out on June 17 at a commercial property in Los Angeles’ Boyle Heights neighbourhood, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the sky and prompting a shelter-in-place order due to hazardous materials concerns.

Residents were urged to stay indoors, shut all windows and doors, switch off air-conditioning systems, and bring pets inside as a precaution, Caliber.Az reports, citing ABC News.

The blaze started just before 2:30 p.m. at a cold-storage warehouse located in the 1400 block of South Los Palos Street.

At least four helicopters equipped for aerial water drops were deployed to assist firefighters battling the flames.

The Los Angeles Police Department initially placed officers on tactical alert due to the severity of the incident before later downgrading the status as crews gained control of the fire.

Nearby freeways remained open, although traffic in the area was moving at a reduced pace.

No injuries were reported, and investigators have not yet determined the cause of the fire.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov