Carson structure fire sparks hazmat response due to burning metal

CARSON, Calif. (KABC) -- A structure fire in Carson triggered a hazardous materials response after scrap metal ignited Tuesday morning.

The blaze erupted around 10:15 a.m. in the 200 block of East Gardena Boulevard.

According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, there were two separate fires at the scene - one inside the structure and another outside the building.

Businesses within one block of the scene were evacuated as a precaution, said Randall Wright with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Wright said putting water on fires involving metal can be dangerous, so firefighters were taking a defensive approach to tackling the blaze.

Hazmat crews were on scene.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.