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

The fire at the cold storage facility in Boyle Heights could involve potentially hazardous materials, possibly impacting your health and air quality.

It's not exactly clear what specific chemicals are involved, but authorities are telling area residents to shelter-in-place, bring all pets and people indoors, close all doors and windows, turn off the air condition system and air purifiers if you have them.

If you're driving past the fire, it's recommended that you switch to recycled air in your vehicle.

The fire at the cold storage facility in Boyle Heights could involve potentially hazardous materials, possibly impacting your health and air quality.

When exposed to extreme heat, these materials can break down into hazardous fluoride gasses and vapors.

Though it's not certain exactly what chemicals are burning, these types of fumes can be dangerous to everyone - for those who are healthy and especially those who are vulnerable, like people with asthma, coronary disease. These individuals have reduced lung function, and particulate matter can go deep into their lungs, and it can be hard to get rid of.

So what can this do? It can cause inflammation, irritation and coughing. In worst case scenarios, it can land you in the emergency room.

While lanes are still open on nearby freeways, the smoke is causing delays on the 5 and 710 freeways.

The impact is on the eastbound 5 lanes and the southbound 710 lanes.

Click here to see live traffic conditions.

Here's what we know about Lineage, the company behind the cold storage facility at the center of the massive structure fire in Boyle Heights on Wednesday.

Lineage has multiple facilities across Southern California and several facilities just in the areas of Boyle Heights and nearby downtown Los Angeles alone.

Here's what we know about Lineage, the company behind the cold storage facility at the center of the massive fire in Boyle Heights.

The website also says the facility deals with the storage of food and beverages as well as a process called "blast freezing." The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

"Our office is closely monitoring the fire at the cold storage facility on the 1400 block of South Los Palos Street in Boyle Heights. We know how frightening it is to see heavy smoke in your neighborhood, especially for families, workers, small businesses, and commuters who are trying to understand what is happening and how to stay safe.

Right now, the most important thing is to follow the shelter-in-place order that has been issued because of the smoke. That order applies to the area south of the 101 Freeway to roughly Washington Boulevard, and east of Soto Street to Indiana Street. Residents should stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, avoid unnecessary travel in the area, and follow instructions from first responders.

LAFD and public safety personnel remain on scene, and this is still an active emergency response. We are grateful to the firefighters and emergency crews working to contain the fire and protect the surrounding community. Our office is in communication with LAFD and City partners and will continue sharing timely, accurate updates as more information becomes available."