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Massive fire at warehouse in Boyle Heights triggers shelter-in-place orders, rare helicopter drops

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Last updated: Thursday, June 18, 2026 2:34AM GMT
Huge fire at Boyle Heights warehouse leads to shelter-in-place orders

BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A massive fire involving solar panels erupted Wednesday afternoon on a commercial building in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles, sending a black column of smoke into the air visible for miles.

The inferno began shortly before 2:30 p.m. at a cold storage facility in the 1400 block of South Los Palos Street.

A shelter-in-place order was issued for the immediate area surrounding the building due to hazardous materials. City officials were asking everyone who lives in those areas to get inside immediately and close all windows and doors. They also advise to turn off air conditioning units and bring all pets indoors.

At least four water-dropping helicopters responded to the scene to help put out the blaze. The Los Angeles Police Department was on tactical alert due to this fire and later went on a modified tactical alert as firefighters got the upperhand.

All nearby freeways remained open, but traffic was flowing slowly.

No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

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2 hours and 15 minutes ago

Ammonia leak prompts shelter-in-place orders

An ammonia leak inside the building prompted shelter-in-place orders for a nearby residents and businesses as thick smoke billowed into the air.

The blaze was initially reported to be primarily burning on the solar panels covering the roof of the 491,000-square-foot structure, and crews appeared to quickly get the upper hand on the flames. But crews on scene then reported an ammonia leak in the building's interior, and several small explosions occurred, re-invigorating the flames, which sent a thick plume of black smoke into the air in a plume visible for miles.

An ammonia leak inside the building prompted shelter-in-place orders for a nearby residents and businesses as thick smoke billowed into the air.

A shelter-in-place order was issued for a wide area near the warehouse as dark smoke blanketed the area. The affected area stretched south of 101 Freeway to roughly Washington Boulevard, and east of Soto Street to Indiana Street on the west. Residents were advised to remain indoors, close all windows and doors and turn off air conditioning/heating units.

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