A large fire aboard a cargo ship at the Port of Los Angeles triggered a massive emergency response Friday evening, briefly halting operations at several terminals and prompting shelter-in-place alerts for nearby neighborhoods. The port, known as North America’s busiest, faced one of its most significant incidents of the year as more than 180 firefighters battled the blaze through the night.
Electrical Fire and Explosion Rock the Cargo Ship
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the fire began around 6:38 p.m. in a lower deck compartment of the cargo ship One Henry Hudson. The situation escalated rapidly when an explosion shook the vessel shortly before 8 p.m., cutting power to lights, equipment, and cranes on board.
Despite the intensity of the incident, authorities confirmed that all 23 crew members were evacuated safely, and no injuries have been reported.
Hazardous Materials Spark Safety Concerns
The fire involved several containers carrying hazardous materials, forcing firefighters to use full protective suits and oxygen masks as they worked their way into the lower levels of the ship.
LAFD Capt. Adam Van Gerpen said multiple fire boats were deployed to cool the vessel from the water as crews worked internally to contain the fire. Air quality teams monitored the surrounding areas due to the potential release of toxic chemicals.
Terminal Shutdowns and Shelter Orders
The Port of Los Angeles confirmed that four of its seven container terminals suspended operations due to the emergency. A safety zone was also established around the ship to keep workers and first responders safe.
By 11 p.m., LAFD ordered all firefighters off the ship’s deck as conditions became too dangerous.
Around midnight, authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for residents in San Pedro and Wilmington, urging people to:
- Stay indoors
- Close doors and windows
- Turn off air conditioning and heating
- Keep pets and family members inside
The order was lifted early Saturday after air quality concerns eased.
Massive Multi-Agency Response
The incident prompted a coordinated response from several agencies, including:
- Long Beach Fire Department
- Los Angeles Port Police
- U.S. Coast Guard
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the city is “closely monitoring the situation,” while California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the developing emergency.
About the Ship
The One Henry Hudson is a Panama-flagged cargo vessel built in 2008. Online tracking data shows that it had recently arrived in Los Angeles after departing from Tokyo.
Firefighters Continue Work to Fully Extinguish Blaze
As of early Saturday, fire crews remained on standby to extinguish lingering hot spots and assess the ship’s structural integrity. Investigators are expected to determine the exact cause of the electrical fire and evaluate potential damage to port operations.
The Port of Los Angeles has not yet announced when the affected terminals will reopen.
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