Los Angeles, United States. Los Angeles was under a state of emergency as fire crews battled a warehouse blaze for a fourth day, with black smoke spreading across the city and causing severe discomfort.
Emergency declaration
Mayor Karen Bass described the situation as a major, multi-jurisdictional incident in a statement. She said the declaration would ensure the city has the resources it needs.
Fire conditions
The fire broke out Wednesday afternoon in a 500,000-square-foot frozen food warehouse. Officials said burning foam insulation, suspected ammonia leakage and melting solar panels have complicated firefighting efforts.
Smoke impact
The Los Angeles Fire Department said the smell of smoke had reached most of the city and urged residents to limit exposure as much as possible. The fire has been contained to the warehouse but continues to burn, sending out fumes described as smelling like burning plastic.
Public health measures
Residents near the warehouse in Boyle Heights, a neighborhood in east Los Angeles, were initially told to shelter in place, close windows and avoid breathing the air. Authorities also opened 24-hour relief centers for people unable to escape the smoke.
Updated advisories
Fire officials later lifted the shelter-in-place orders, saying the smoke was not toxic or different from that of a normal structure fire. Air quality officials have continued to warn people in affected areas to avoid outdoor activity.
