Skip to main content

Chief: Welding torch sparked Los Angeles port fire

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Fire Department says a spark from a welder’s torch caused a smoky fire at a Port of Los Angeles wharf that forced about 850 workers to evacuate the area Monday night.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas says that while the bulk of the fire is under control, it could take until Tuesday afternoon or evening for crews to fully extinguish the blaze.

The fire was smoldering in wooden timber piers, which are coated with water-resistant, highly flammable creosote.

Thick smoke from the fire prompted the Los Angeles fire and police officials to issue advisories to residents in Wilmington, San Pedro and Long Beach to remain indoors and keep windows closed.

Nearby schools remained open with all outdoor activities suspended.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Emergency guide: What you should do to prepare for emergencies

WASHINGTON — Do you know what you'd do if an emergency hits? What if you're at work, your spouse is stuck in traffic and your children are in school? There's no way to plan for every emergency, but you can make sure you're prepared for different scenarios, including making a plan for your family and building a kit of emergency supplies.
Read Next Story