Shelter-in-place order issued due to Boyle Heights building fire

Key Points:

• A large fire broke out at a cold storage facility in Boyle Heights, prompting the Los Angeles Fire Department to deploy four water-dropping helicopters to combat flames unreachable by hose lines, effectively reducing the blaze by early evening.
• The fire produced a massive plume of black smoke visible for miles, leading city officials to advise residents and pet owners to stay indoors, close windows, and turn off air conditioning due to the presence of potentially hazardous materials.
• Authorities warned that the burning chemicals could release dangerous fluoride gases and vapors, posing health risks especially to vulnerable populations such as those with asthma or coronary disease, causing respiratory irritation and possible emergency medical issues.
• Drivers were urged to avoid the area around the 5 and 710 Freeways, and those passing through were advised to switch their vehicles to air recirculation mode to minimize smoke inhalation, although freeways remained open with slow-moving traffic.
• Local officials, including City Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, emphasized the ongoing monitoring of the situation and the importance of public safety measures for families, workers, and commuters in the affected neighborhood.