LOS ANGELES, California (USA)
A large fire at a cold storage facility in Los Angeles has been burning for six consecutive days, forcing local and state authorities to declare an emergency due to growing health and environmental concerns.
The fire broke out earlier this week at a facility operated by Lineage Logistics in the Boyle Heights area. Since then, thick smoke has continued to spread across nearby neighborhoods, raising concerns among residents about air quality and possible health risks.
Officials reported that an ammonia line inside the building was damaged during the incident, leading to a hazardous materials situation.
The leak has now been brought under control, but firefighters are still working to fully extinguish deep-seated hotspots within the structure.
Authorities say one of the biggest challenges is the large amount of frozen food stored inside the facility, estimated at around 85 million pounds. Removing the damaged goods is expected to require approximately 1,700 semi-truck loads.
Fire crews have opened sections of the structure to allow water cannons to reach areas that were previously inaccessible. Despite continuous efforts, officials say smoke may continue to linger in the region for several more days.
Residents living nearby have been advised to remain cautious and monitor air quality updates as firefighting operations continue.
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.