Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency on Saturday in response to a large fire at a privately owned cold-storage warehouse in the Boyle Heights neighborhood. The blaze, which began on Wednesday, has sent significant plumes of smoke into the air, prompting concerns about hazardous conditions and leading to shelter-in-place orders for nearby residents.

Authorities have urged locals to close windows, doors, and vents, turn off air conditioning, and remain indoors with pets to reduce exposure to the smoky environment. In coordination with the emergency declaration, the city and county have also opened relief centers to provide refuge for families affected by the smoke.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jaime Moore reported that firefighters have contained the hazardous materials aspect of the fire and are now focusing on addressing biohazard risks. The warehouse contains approximately 85 million pounds of frozen food, and the complex layout combined with zero visibility inside the building has hindered firefighting efforts. Chief Moore noted that firefighters are unable to freely move pallets inside the structure to gain better access.

Mayor Bass's emergency declaration requests aid under the California Disaster Assistance Act and seeks expedited state resources and relief programs to support containment and recovery operations. She emphasized that protecting public health and safety remains the administration’s top priority. Efforts are underway to safely remove and dispose of toxic materials to prevent a broader environmental impact.

Officials continue to work around the clock to extinguish the fire while prioritizing the health of residents and emergency personnel. The situation remains closely monitored as response teams navigate the challenges posed by the fire’s scale and the hazardous conditions at the site.