Warehouse Fire Reignites in South Los Angeles, Triggering Air Quality Alerts
A second blaze at the Bel-Air Wood Flooring facility forced 100 firefighters to respond, prompting health advisories for sensitive groups across the region.
By Vanessa Lopez ·
A fire re-ignited Tuesday morning at a warehouse in the Central-Alameda district of Los Angeles, the site of a major emergency the previous day. The flare-up at the Bel-Air Wood Flooring warehouse, located at 5505 S. Alameda St., was reported at approximately 4 a.m. by the Los Angeles Fire Department. Flames spread to nearby power lines, requiring immediate intervention from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Firefighters used large-diameter hoses to extinguish the flames and protect adjacent structures. No injuries were reported, and no additional buildings burned during the Tuesday incident.
The original fire started around 1 a.m. Monday at a neighboring recycling plant. It quickly spread to the warehouse, creating a major emergency that took more than 120 firefighters four hours to control. Assistant LAFD Chief Carlos Calvillo explained that the site presents unique challenges due to its construction. He described the location as a complex of buildings intertwined internally. Calvillo noted that crews had to cut open an entire side of the building to gain access to the deeply seated fire.
More than 100 firefighters were on scene Tuesday working to suppress the re-ignited blaze and clear debris, according to LAFD spokesperson Lyndsey Lantz. Traffic restrictions remain in effect from East 50th Street in the north to Slauson Avenue in the south, and from Bandera Street in the west to Alameda Street in the east. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a particle pollution advisory effective until midnight Wednesday. Downwind sensors recorded unhealthy Air Quality Index levels for fine particle pollution toward the southwest of Vernon on Tuesday morning. Winds are expected to remain light and shift between southwest and east through Wednesday night. Ash may also fall in the area.
City officials in Manhattan Beach issued an alert Tuesday morning stating that air quality has reached the red Unhealthy category. The alert warns that anyone may experience health effects, with sensitive groups facing more serious risks. These groups include children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with heart or lung conditions. Residents are advised to limit outdoor time, avoid strenuous activity, keep windows and doors closed, and use air purifiers if available. Officials also recommended keeping pets indoors. Calvillo advised nearby residents to leave the area or stay inside with windows closed if they detect smoke.
Calvillo stated that it could take another week before the fire is declared completely out. In response, Mayor Karen Bass announced the establishment of a voluntary evacuation center for residents living near the fire.
