Los Angeles Commercial Fire Flares Up for Second Day Near Vernon; Burning Power Poles Reported
Firefighters returned to a major commercial fire near Vernon, California, on Tuesday morning, November 10, after flames rekindled at a flooring business that had burned the previous day.
The fire began shortly after 1 a.m. Monday at approximately 5505 South Alameda Street, near East 55th Street, in the Central-Alameda area of Los Angeles. The building housed an industrial flooring business specialising in hardwood and cork materials.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the original structure measured approximately 100 by 150 feet and was fully involved when firefighters arrived. The fire also extended into an adjoining building, prompting a major emergency response involving Los Angeles city and county firefighters.
Fire Rekindles as Crews Return to the Scene
Firefighters declared the original blaze under control at approximately 5:24 a.m. Monday, following more than four hours of operations. However, the incident required extensive overhaul work because burning pockets remained concealed within large quantities of palletised materials.
At approximately 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, LAFD reported that flames had flared up again. Several fire companies returned to the scene, using large-diameter hose lines while working to protect nearby structures.
The renewed fire also affected nearby electrical infrastructure. Burning power poles presented an additional hazard, prompting the involvement of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, which shut down affected electrical lines.
No Injuries Reported
In an update at approximately 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, LAFD said around 100 personnel remained at the scene carrying out fire suppression and debris-clearing operations.
The department reported that no additional structures had been affected by the renewed fire. No injuries had been reported in connection with the incident.
Traffic restrictions remained in place around the affected area to allow emergency crews and heavy equipment to operate safely. Officials also indicated that nearby train services were not expected to be disrupted.
Cause of the Fire Remains Under Investigation
The cause of the original fire had not been confirmed in the information released by LAFD. Crews were expected to continue overhaul and debris-removal operations for several days.
Although the incident has been widely described as a Vernon-area fire, LAFD identifies the location as 5505 South Alameda Street in the Central-Alameda area of Los Angeles, near the city of Vernon.
Further updates are expected as fire officials provide additional information.