A welding torch started a fire that burned a chemical-coated pier overnight at the Port of Los Angeles and sent clouds of smoke over the sprawling complex, forcing worker evacuations and school closures.
The fire burned thick pier timber coated in creosote, a wood preservative. The LAFD and the Los Angeles Police Department advised residents in Wilmington, San Pedro and Long Beach to remain indoors and keep windows closed.
'Any long duration of exposure to this smoke can be hazardous,' said Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Jaime Moore.
St. Peter and Paul Elementary School and George De La Torre Jr. Elementary School will be closed because of poor air quality. The dangerous smoke also might affect a Crown Princess cruise ship scheduled to dock Tuesday.
'The fumes were not detected to be at a hazardous level beyond the immediate vicinity,' said Los Angeles Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas.
The fire began at about 6:30 p.m. Monday on South Fries Avenue and burned about 150 feet of the pier. The fire continued to smolder Tuesday morning, but fire officials said they are hopeful they can extinguish the fire before mid-day.
Firefighters used chain saw and heavy equipment to break up asphalt and cut out creosote covered 18-by-12-inch timber. They built a trench around the area that was burning to contain the fire.
The Los Angeles Fire Department used helicopters and five firefighting boats to attack the fire on a 40-acre site where cargo ships dock. Two large ships and smaller boats tied to the berth were moved.
More than 800 terminal employees were evacuated. No injuries were reported.
Authorities have not determined the cause of the fire, which started in wood supports under the pier.
Posted by Unknown on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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