Fire Breaks Out on Container Ship at Port of Los Angeles

A major fire broke out on Friday evening aboard the 1,102-foot container ship One Henry Hudson, docked at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro.

The blaze was first reported at approximately 6:38 pm, when an electrical fire below the main deck rapidly escalated, spreading to multiple container bays.

Presently, the fire has been almost contained, according to city officials. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control after changing tactics Tuesday morning, but hot spots and air quality problems remain.

Operations across the ports container terminals have now resumed.

Over 100 firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), along with hazardous-materials teams, marine units and the United States Coast Guard, actively battled the fire and are presently monitoring the air quality as lots of smoke and flames billowed into the sky.

A mid-deck explosion disrupted power and crane operations on the ship and triggered a safety response across the port.

According to official statements, all 23 crew members aboard the vessel have been accounted for and there are no reported injuries at this time.

Cargo aboard the ship includes hazardous materials. This had prompted shelter-in-place warnings for nearby communities and closure of portions of the port and related roadways. These closures have now been lifted.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Officials say the fire started below deck and the presence of hazardous materials complicated suppression efforts.

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