Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency on Saturday as firefighters continued battling a massive warehouse blaze that has been burning for several days. The fire erupted on Wednesday at a large warehouse in the city's historic Boyle Heights neighborhood near downtown Los Angeles. Flames rapidly spread across the building's rooftop solar panels, sending thick plumes of smoke and ammonia gas into the air and prompting authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.
Emergency Declaration and Resource Request
Under the emergency declaration, Bass requested that the state expedite access to state and federal resources, as well as disaster relief programs, to support the response effort. The mayor also asked California officials to waive regulations that could slow emergency operations.
Relief Centers Opened for Affected Residents
Meanwhile, the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County have opened relief centers for residents affected by smoke and hazardous fumes from the fire. The shelter-in-place order remains in effect for those living near the blaze, as officials continue to monitor air quality and fire conditions.
