Liputan6.com, Jakarta - A major fire broke out at a tire and automotive parts facility in South Gate, Los Angeles, on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The incident was reported between 2:00 and 2:40 p.m. local time, sending thick, black smoke billowing into the sky.
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Firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) responded immediately and with full force.
The immediate impact of the fire was a shelter-in-place order for residents to protect themselves from the smoke.
Despite the intense intensity of the fire, there were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities.
The fire, which engulfed a 75-by-75-foot commercial building, was classified as a "Second Alarm" due to its continued spread.
Firefighters took up defensive positions to control the fire, which was finally extinguished around 4:20 p.m., but the investigation into its cause is ongoing.
Emergency Response During the Incident
This fire incident began on Sunday afternoon, May 24, 2026, in the 11800 block of Industrial Avenue, South Gate, Los Angeles, near Gardendale Street.
The facility suspected to be SSSJJ Auto Service, which operates as a tire and automotive parts or tire recycling facility, was caught on fire.
Initial reports were received between 2:00 and 2:40 PM local time, indicating a rapid onset.
Given the fire's growing scale, the fire was quickly categorized as a "Second Alarm," indicating significant severity.
Thick, black smoke billowed into the air, visible for miles throughout Southeast Los Angeles County, raising concerns among residents.
Firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) were immediately dispatched to the scene to address the emergency situation.
They also received assistance from the Downey Fire Department.
The Fire's Impact on Residents of the Surrounding Area
As a precautionary measure against the potential dangers of thick smoke, a "shelter-in-place," instructed residents and pets to remain indoors, with doors and windows tightly closed, for safety and health.
The order was lifted around 7:30 PM local time after the situation was deemed more under control.
The South Gate Police Department also took swift action by closing Gardendale Street and Industrial Street to the public.
This closure was intended to facilitate firefighting operations and ensure public safety, and residents were advised to seek alternate routes.
The burned property is located in an area surrounded by numerous other businesses and dozens of homes.
However, there are currently no clear reports of damage to other structures in the area due to the impact of the fire.
Investigation and Current Conditions
Although the fire was large and produced a massive plume of smoke, there were no immediate reports of serious injuries or fatalities.
The exact cause of the fire at the South Gate Tire facility in Los Angeles remains under investigation.
Authorities will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the origin of the fire and any possible contributing factors.
Although the fire was extinguished around 4:20 p.m., fire crews remain on the scene.