A major fire broke out on a cargo ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles, triggering an extensive emergency response.
Crew members aboard the container ship ONE Henry Hudson reported an electrical fire below deck on Friday, Nov. 21, at 6:38 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). The department classified the situation as a “major emergency,” noting that 186 personnel were assigned to fight the blaze.
In an update issued a little over an hour later, the LAFD said flames were visible outside the vessel in multiple bays. Hazardous materials listed on the ship’s manifest were identified in affected areas. Officials also reported an explosion mid-deck that disrupted lights and crane operations.
Around midnight on Saturday, Nov. 22, the LAFD ordered residents in the San Pedro and Wilmington neighborhoods to shelter in place due to concerns about air quality.
The Port of Los Angeles said a waterside safety zone had been set up around the ship, and State Route 47 was temporarily closed because of heavy smoke and poor visibility. At that time, no injuries were reported and all crew members were confirmed safe and accounted for.
By Nov. 22, port officials said the ship had been towed outside the port’s breakwater and that the fire was “substantially contained.” The shelter-in-place order and work restrictions near the port were lifted, and State Route 47 was reopened.
The Long Beach Fire Department, Los Angeles Port Police, and the U.S. Coast Guard also joined the response. The Coast Guard said the Unified Command was continuing to monitor the incident, adding that the extent of any potential pollution remained unclear.
The Port of Los Angeles, described on its website as the busiest container port in North America, remained under close watch. In a statement shared on X, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the city was monitoring the situation and reiterated that all crew members were safe. California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said the governor had been briefed and that the state was coordinating with local authorities to support first responders and protect nearby communities.
