Chemical fire could burn for up to 48 hours, according to authorities
Authorities report that a chemical fire could burn for up to 48 hours following an incident involving an overturned tractor-trailer carrying lithium-ion batteries at the Port of Los Angeles.
On Thursday, the truck tipped over and caught fire, prompting the closure of several terminals, including APM Terminals, Fenix Marine, Everport, and Yusen Terminals, as emergency crews work at the site.
Los Angeles Fire Department officials warned that the fire could persist for two days, leading to the closure of a roughly 7-mile stretch of California State Route 47, from the Vincent Thomas Bridge to Long Beach, during this time. David Ortiz, a public information officer for the department, stated to CBS News, “Using water to extinguish this fire could result in a larger hazmat issue, runoff, and a more extensive cleanup. Even pouring millions of gallons on it may not prevent it from reigniting.”
The accident occurred around noon on Thursday on the 47 Freeway at Navy Way, east of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, causing significant traffic delays for vehicles.
Despite the incident, the Trapac and West Basin container terminals, along with the World Cruise Center, will continue operations at the Port of Los Angeles on Friday. This incident comes as the port is witnessing a surge in container activity, having handled 960,597 twenty-foot equivalent units in August, marking a 16% increase from the previous year and the busiest month outside of the pandemic.
