Shelter-in-place ordered in LA as blaze engulfs roof of 500,000 sq-ft warehouse
Summary
A fire broke out on the solar panel-covered roof of a large cold storage warehouse in Los Angeles, causing thick smoke and the release of ammonia gas. City officials ordered nearby residents to stay indoors while firefighters and hazmat teams worked to control the blaze.Key Facts
- The fire happened at a 500,000 square-foot cold storage facility owned by Lineage in the Boyle Heights area.
- About 110 firefighters responded to the fire, along with hazmat teams from the city and county.
- The fire started on the solar panel-covered roof; the cause is still under investigation.
- An ammonia line burst, releasing toxic and flammable ammonia gas into the air.
- Officials advised people nearby to stay inside, keep windows and doors closed, turn off air conditioning, and avoid travel near the site.
- Firefighters used helicopters to drop water on the fire because it was too dangerous to fight from the roof.
- The roof showed signs of sagging, and there was concern about lithium ion batteries that store solar energy being on the roof.
- Lithium ion battery fires are difficult and dangerous to put out due to a process called thermal runaway.
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