BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A massive fire involving solar panels erupted Wednesday afternoon on a commercial building in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles, sending a black column of smoke into the air visible for miles.
The inferno began shortly before 2:30 p.m. at a cold storage facility in the 1400 block of South Los Palos Street.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for the immediate area surrounding the building due to hazardous materials. City officials were asking everyone who lives in those areas to get inside immediately and close all windows and doors. They also advise to turn off air conditioning units and bring all pets indoors.
At least four water-dropping helicopters responded to the scene to help put out the blaze. The Los Angeles Police Department was on tactical alert due to this fire and later went on a modified tactical alert as firefighters got the upperhand.
All nearby freeways remained open, but traffic was flowing slowly.
No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
