On Friday evening, a fire broke out on the container ship One Henry Hudson while docked at the Port of Los Angeles. It quickly drew a response from over 100 firefighters. Fortunately, all 23 crew members were safe, and no injuries were reported. The fire started below deck and involved hazardous cargo.
As the fire spread, four of the seven terminals at the port halted operations. Around 40 containers were ablaze, and firefighters had not yet contained the fire.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass updated the community, saying, “LAFD continues fire-suppression efforts and is monitoring air quality.” In light of the situation, a shelter-in-place order was issued for nearby areas, including San Pedro and Wilmington. Residents were advised to stay indoors, close windows, and turn off HVAC systems.
The blaze was first reported at 6:38 p.m. By 7 p.m., it had escalated, leading to an explosion mid-deck, which knocked out power for lighting and crane operations on the ship. The Coast Guard established a one nautical mile safety zone around the vessel, urging everyone nearby to be cautious.
Historical Comparisons
Incidents like this are not uncommon at busy ports. For instance, a similar fire at the Port of Long Beach in 2002 highlighted the risks of handling hazardous materials. Learning from past events informs how authorities respond to these emergencies today, showcasing improvements in safety measures over the years.
User Reactions
Social media has been buzzing with reactions. Many users expressed relief that there were no injuries but raised concerns about the impact on local air quality. People are sharing advice on emergency preparedness and safety, which is a timely reminder for all.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), air quality can be significantly affected by such incidents. Their studies suggest that smoke and chemicals from ship fires can pose health risks in neighboring communities.
The One Henry Hudson, a 1,102-foot vessel operated by One Ocean Express, had recently visited Japan. Its cargo included various containers that can be hazardous, emphasizing the importance of safety in shipping and logistics.
As firefighters continue their efforts, the community remains vigilant, showing the resilience and preparedness that define San Pedro.
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