State of emergency declared as Boyle Heights fire continues to burn

At about 5:30 p.m., fire officials reported that the spread of the flames on the roof of a burning cold storage facility in Boyle Heights had been halted.

No injuries were immediately reported. It was unclear what sparked the blaze.

The solar panels on the same building also caught fire in August 2024, but LAFD crews were able to douse that blaze in less than an hour with no injuries.

L.A. Metro announced that buses in both directions are currently on a detour due to fire department activity in the area. Buses have a temporary layover at Whitter/Ditman. Toward El Sereno, stops from Calada/Olympic through Indiana/3rd will not be served.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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City News Service contributed to this report.

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.