Major flare-up as crews battle Boyle Heights warehouse fire; smoke advisory remains in place

As the fire at a cold storage facility in Boyle Heights spread, Los Angeles Fire Department hose lines were unable to reach parts of the fire, so four water-dropping helicopters were brought to the scene to help halt the flames, dumping thousands of gallons of water onto the building.

The helicopters made a huge difference in the firefight. Video from AIR7 shortly after 5 p.m. showed only a few flames remaining with the majority of the blaze out.

Water-dropping helicopters are not a common sight in urban landscapes, especially when it comes to a building in the middle of such a densely populated neighborhood. But this is a very unusual fire that poses unusual risks and at 480 gallons per drop, these helicopters are a real lifesaver.

As the fire at a cold storage facility in Boyle Heights spread, Los Angeles Fire Department hose lines were unable to reach parts of the fire, so four water-dropping helicopters were brought to the scene to help halt the flames.

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City News Service contributed to this report

As crews battle a large fire at a cold storage facility in Boyle Heights, drivers are reacting to the black smoke covering the area.

As crews battle a large fire at a cold storage facility in Boyle Heights from the ground and air, Los Angeles city officials urge the public and their pets to stay indoors and turn off air conditioning units due to hazardous materials.

Drivers are being urged to avoid the area, especially the 5 Freeway near the 710 Freeway, as a large plume of black smoke hovers over the zone.

Smoke could be seen for miles, confusing many drivers as to what was going on, some even lowering their windows to take pictures.

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, who represents the area, issued a statement saying, "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."

ABC7 Automotive Specialist Dave Kunz recommends drivers stuck on the freeway near the smoke to make sure your car is on the re-circulation mode so it's not sucking in air from the outside.

Freeways remain open but are moving slowly.

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City News Service contributed to this report.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory due to the massive structure fire in Boyle Heights.

The AQMD issued the following advisory Wednesday afternoon:

As LAFD continues the firefight, be aware that significant fire with smoke is impacting the area of Boyle Heights. If sensitive to health issues, go indoors. Close all doors/windows and limit outside activities. Limit exposure to outdoor air. For emergencies call 911. Monitor the situation for additional protective actions.

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.