Wilmington Dock Fire Contained, 2 Area Schools Closed As Health Precaution
WILMINGTON (CBSLA.com) — A fierce fire burning at the Port of Los Angeles was more than 90 percent contained Tuesday, however, officials closed two area schools for health concerns.
Officials closed St. Peter and Paul Elementary School in Anaheim and George De La Torre Elementary School in Wilmington for the day as a precaution.
Parents were furious, as many were reportedly not notified about the status of classes on Tuesday.
"I think they should have let us know before, because I came down here and they told me that (the students) were already gone," parent Veronica Navarro said. "So I was real concerned."
The fire was reported at 6:41 p.m. Monday, at two berths located in the 800 block of Fires Avenue in Wilmington, the Los Angeles Fire Department said.
It was sparked by a "torch welding operation" and burned directly underneath a warehouse, which rests on pylons coated in a chemical material to protect it from marine erosion. The chemical is highly flammable, which made the flames particularly difficult to extinguish.
The LAFD attacked the fire by air, by boat and with ground crews, but said their firefighting scuba dive teams were most effective.
Divers fought the flames from the water, using hoses to attack the fire from underneath the berths, some of which had pylons measuring more than a foot in diameter.
Officials said Tuesday that the fumes from the fire were not toxic.
"The fumes were not detected to be at a hazardous level beyond the immediate vicinity, but as a safety precaution, we continue to patrol and to monitor the air quality," Chief Ralph Terrazas said.
Officials plan to monitor wind shifts throughout the day.
Mayor Eric Garcetti arrived at the port Tuesday to thank firefighters for their efforts and to stress the importance of keeping the port running.
"This port is an engine for Southern California and this nation, and its operations are critically important," Garcetti said.
The fire burned about 150 feet of the pier and forced the evacuation of about 850 people. Several ships and boats were also moved.
No injuries were reported.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District warned that anyone who could see or smell smoke should avoid exposure.
Residents of San Pedro and Wilmington have been advised to remain indoors, keep windows closed and avoid rigorous activity.
Of the six cargo terminals at the Port of Long Beach, three were shut down due to smoke from the fire.
Authorities anticipate that they will remain on scene for cleanup until approximately 6 p.m.
The LAFD will released updated information at a 10 a.m. news conference.
