On Wednesday afternoon (January 28th), a dangerous fire erupted in the eastern city of South El Monte in Los Angeles County, causing a second-alarm commercial building fire. Hundreds of firefighters rushed to the scene for rescue operations, and so far, there have been no reports of casualties.
The fire broke out at a metal processing factory located south of Highway 10, on North Tyler Avenue. Thick smoke billowed into the sky, accompanied by flames and occasional explosions. Firefighters climbed ladders to spray water in efforts to control the blaze.
Police authorities closed several streets near Tyler Street.
Los Angeles County firefighters mentioned that a propane tank at the site had exploded. Firefighters rushed to the 2213 block of Tyler Avenue at 2:32 p.m. due to the fierce flames, calling for reinforcements minutes later. Authorities have instructed nearby residents to take shelter.
According to KTLA, there were multiple explosions of propane tanks at the fire scene. Firefighters classified the blaze as a “titanium fire”, and the city’s search and rescue team along with a hazardous materials handling team also arrived to assist. As of 5 p.m. that day, firefighters were still battling the flames. Police stated they were monitoring the air and water quality in the vicinity.
The metal processing factory had two large warehouses where metal items including titanium and propane tanks were stored. Both warehouses were engulfed by the massive fire.
Burning titanium metal typically produces a bright glare and releases intense heat at a rapid pace. Standard firefighting agents and water are ineffective against this type of fire, as water can react with the molten metal leading to hydrogen explosions. Therefore, specialized dry sand or graphite-containing extinguishing agents are required.
A metal processing factory a few miles away from the origin of the fire experienced a similar incident in 2018, where a room storing titanium metal started to emit flames. NBC reported that when titanium metal catches fire, the higher the water volume sprayed for extinguishing, the more intense the reaction becomes.
By 5:11 p.m., the Fire Department expanded the shelter-in-place area around the fire point to approximately 2 square miles south of Highway 10. Authorities instructed residents in the affected area to close all doors, windows, and turn off all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Despite the fire weakening by 6:45 p.m., thick smoke continued to billow at the scene, with the odor being pungent in the nearby neighborhoods. The blaze had not yet been completely contained by the evening.