Shelter-in-place order issued in Boyle Heights as firefighters battle cold storage facility fire

A shelter-in-place order was issued Wednesday, June 17, in Boyle Heights as firefighters battled a large fire at a cold storage facility, authorities said.

The fire was reported at about 2:35 p.m. at a commercial building in the 1400 block of South Los Palos Street, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. First-arriving crews reported flames showing through the roof of a 1,000-foot-by-500-foot, single-story commercial building.

The shelter-in-place order instructed residents to immediately go indoors, close all windows and doors, and turn off air conditioning and heating systems until further notice because of hazardous materials concerns and heavy smoke.

The order covers an area bounded by Soto Street and Indiana Street and extending from the 10 Freeway south to Washington Boulevard.

LAFD Chief Jaime Moore said that an ammonia line inside the facility was compromised, which caused off-gassing. According to the CDC, exposure to ammonia may cause eye, nose and throat irritation and can affect breathing, depending on the concentration and duration of exposure.

Moore said that ammonia is not toxic to individuals, unless they have respiratory issues or are in direct contact with the chemical.

No injuries were immediately reported, and officials had not released additional details about the cause of the fire or the nature of late Wednesday afternoon.

“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,” Los Angeles City Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, who represents the area, said in a statement.“Right now, the most important thing is to follow the shelter-in-place order that has been issued because of the smoke.”