A stubborn wharf fire at Port of Los Angeles prompted authorities to temporarily close container terminals today, as firefighters kept busy trying to smother creosote-treated wooden pilings that burned through the night and created an acrid cloud of smoke.
The regional air quality agency warned that anyone who could see or smell smoke from the blaze should avoid outdoor exposure and activities.
A noon news conference was planned by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas and others.
Late this morning, port officials announced that “all container terminals at the Port of Los Angeles have been closed for precautionary reasons due to air quality.”
The Los Angeles Unified School District announced that all schools affected by the fire would implement a “modified shelter in place schedule.” Also, due to “professional development” many of the schools will be dismissed today about 1:30 p.m., the LAUSD reported.
No injuries were reported from the fire, which broke out at 6:41 p.m. Monday at berths 177-179 at 802 S. Fries Ave., where cargo ships are loaded and unloaded, Katherine Main of the Los Angeles Fire Department said. The fire burned about 150 feet of a pier and forced the evacuation of 850 workers.
This morning, firefighters working from land and from boats were using foam on the fire.
Main said that while the blaze, started by a welder, was largely contained within about two hours, it continued to smolder. The timbers are coated with water-resistant but flammable creosote.
At a 6 a.m. briefing today, LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas said the fire was caused by a torch that was being used in a welding operation, and he estimated that it could take another 8-12 hours to extinguish the flames.
“This is a very, very difficult fire to fight,” Terrazas said. “The fire is deep-seated, and will continue to burn for some time.”
Terrazas said the LAFD’s five fireboats were deployed, along with two fireboats from the Long Beach Fire Department. Helicopter crews and divers also helped battle the flames.
Many port operations were continuing, including a cruise ship that was allowed to enter the facility this morning. Officials said they did not believe that the fire would affect the operations of the Port of Long Beach.
Ships were being routed away from the immediate area of the fire, a port official said.
Because of smoke from the fire, residents within the following area were advised by Los Angeles city officials to keep their windows closed, their air conditioning off, and to avoid going outdoors: Anaheim Street on the north; New Dock Street on the south; Wilmington Avenue on the west, and Henry Ford Bridge on the east. Crews were monitoring air quality.
About 9:30 a.m., the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory for coastal areas in south Los Angeles County and north Orange County.
“In areas impacted by the fire, where residents can see or smell smoke, individuals should avoid outdoor exposure and activity if possible,” the SCAQMD said. “With the sea breeze this morning, more on-shore areas may also experience smoke.”
Wilmington’s De La Torre Elementary School — which was said in some media reports to be closed today due to the blaze — remained open, according to the LAUSD.
After the fire began, a backhoe was used to dig a trench in the pier as a virtual fire line to prevent the flames from spreading, Main said.
Boats tied to the dock were moved to safety, Main said, and workers were evacuated as a precaution.
Firefighters from the Long Beach Fire Department also were among the 150 firefighters battling the four-alarm blaze.
The fire was in a 40-acre area from where big cargo ships load and unload. Four people were evacuated from the warehouse.
The fire was not burning in the warehouse, but threatening the pier underneath, Main said.
