Cargo Ship Fire Prompts Evacuations, Disrupts Operations at Port of Los Angeles
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A massive fire erupted Friday evening on the cargo ship One Henry Hudson while docked at the Port of Los Angeles, North America’s busiest port, triggering a large-scale emergency response and prompting shelter-in-place orders for nearby communities. The blaze,which began as an electrical fire on a lower deck at 6:38 p.m. local time, quickly escalated, leading to an explosion that knocked out power to critical port infrastructure.
Firefighters battle Intense blaze, Hazardous Materials Concerns
More than 180 firefighters are currently engaged in battling the fire, which is complicated by the presence of hazardous materials within several cargo containers onboard the vessel. According to a fire department captain at a news conference,crews are utilizing fire boats to cool the ship and contain the spread of the flames.Firefighters are required to wear protective suits and oxygen masks due to the potential for toxic exposure.
“Many of our fire boats are out there. They are trying to cool down this vessel,” a senior official stated.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) ordered all firefighters off the deck at 11 p.m. as conditions deteriorated.
Port Operations Suspended, Shelter-in-Place Orders Issued
The incident has caused significant disruption to port operations, with four of the seven container terminals temporarily suspending activity. A safety zone has been established around the One Henry Hudson. Authorities have also issued a shelter-in-place order for residents in the San Pedro and Wilmington neighborhoods, advising them to take immediate precautions.
The fire department issued a clear directive to residents: “Get inside PROMPTLY and close all windows and doors. Turn off air conditioning and heating. Bring all people and pets to an inside room until you receive further instructions.” This order was issued by midnight,citing concerns related to the hazardous materials involved in the fire.
Multi-Agency Response and Governmental Oversight
The response to the fire is a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including the Long Beach Fire Department, Los Angeles Port Police, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass confirmed the city is closely monitoring the situation, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the incident.
The One Henry Hudson, built in 2017, is a 1,100-foot-long container ship operated by Fukujin Kisen. Vessel tracking website Vessel Finder shows the ship was en route from Busan, South korea, before arriving in Los Angeles. Fukujin Kisen has been contacted for comment.
As crews continue to work overnight to suppress the blaze, the full extent of the damage and the potential environmental impact remain unknown. Air quality is being closely monitored throughout the affected areas.
Why did it happen? The fire began as an electrical fire on a lower deck of the cargo ship One Henry Hudson at 6:38 p.m. local time on Friday evening.
Who was involved? Over 180 firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department and Long Beach Fire Department,the Los Angeles Port Police,the
