Container Ship Fire Prompts Massive Response at Port of Los Angeles
A major fire aboard the container ship One Henry Hudson at the Port of Los Angeles triggered a large-scale emergency response and a temporary shelter-in-place order for surrounding communities on Friday evening. As of Saturday evening, suppression and salvage efforts are ongoing, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
The blaze, which erupted at 6:38 p.m. on Friday at 701 East New Dock Street, was visible on multiple decks of the 1,100-foot vessel. The incident prompted a swift and comprehensive response from nearly 125 firefighters, encompassing specialized units such as heavy rescue, hazmat, urban search and rescue, fire boats, and air operations.
Emergency Response and Crew Evacuation
The fire quickly escalated, necessitating assistance from the Long Beach Fire Department and Port Police. Initial priorities centered on ensuring the safety of the One Henry Hudson’s 23 crew members. Officials confirmed that all personnel were safely evacuated from the ship with the assistance of Port Police and Customs personnel.
Shortly before 8 p.m., an explosion on the mid-deck further complicated the situation, disrupting power, lighting, and crane operations. The LAFD reported that at least 40 containers initially caught fire, but that number potentially rose to 100 following the blast. Remarkably, six crewmembers who had been previously evacuated voluntarily returned to the vessel to aid firefighters in navigating the lower compartments.
Concerns for Local Residents and Ongoing Operations
The potential for further escalation and the presence of hazardous materials prompted authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order for nearby neighborhoods, including Wilmington and San Pedro. A senior official stated, “This is very rare that a ship catches on fire and we have to remove out of the port, but we wanted to have it safe for the residents of Wilmington and San Pedro.”
The LAFD continues to actively work to contain the fire and prevent further damage. The long-term impact on port operations and the surrounding environment remains under assessment. .
The situation at the Port of Los Angeles remains fluid, and updates will be provided as they become available.
