MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Smoke from a massive commercial fire in Los Angeles could push air quality into unhealthy territory across parts of the South Bay overnight Tuesday, with Manhattan Beach and Hawthorne among the communities facing potentially hazardous conditions.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District warned Tuesday that shifting winds could carry smoke from the blaze, which erupted early Monday in Los Angeles' Central-Alameda neighborhood, southwest toward the coast.
Air quality in Manhattan Beach, Hawthorne and Westmont could reach levels classified as "Unhealthy" or worse overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, according to the agency's forecast. The warning comes as firefighters continue working to extinguish lingering pockets of flames inside the heavily damaged commercial complex, where an early Tuesday flare-up prompted the deployment of additional crews.
The particle pollution advisory remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Air quality sensors southwest of the fire recorded a brief period of unhealthy concentrations of fine particulate pollution, known as PM2.5, on Tuesday morning, according to South Coast AQMD. Although the most immediate impacts were expected near the fire and in surrounding communities, including Maywood and Bell Gardens, gentle overnight winds could push smoke farther southwest toward Manhattan Beach and Hawthorne.
The agency cautioned that conditions could deteriorate depending on shifting winds and the amount of smoke produced as firefighting efforts continue. Unhealthy air quality has been forecast for the South Bay communities, but has not been confirmed there by the advisory.
Ash could also settle across affected neighborhoods, although larger particles and debris are not reflected in standard Air Quality Index readings. Residents can monitor conditions through the South Coast AQMD real-time air quality map.
The fire began around 1:02 a.m. Monday near South Alameda and East 55th streets, where firefighters encountered a 100-by-150-foot commercial building engulfed in flames. Approximately 200 Los Angeles firefighters, assisted by Los Angeles County crews, battled the blaze, which spread into an adjoining two-story structure within a complex housing an industrial flooring business specializing in hardwood and cork.
The initial fire was knocked down at 5:24 a.m. Monday, but large quantities of stored materials concealed pockets of flames that proved difficult to extinguish, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department, A flare-up around 4 a.m. Tuesday brought additional fire companies to the scene, where crews continued suppression and debris-clearing operations. Fire officials said the work could continue for several days.
No injuries had been reported, and the cause remained undetermined as of Tuesday afternoon.
South Coast AQMD advised residents in affected areas to keep windows and doors closed, avoid strenuous outdoor activity and use air conditioning or air purifiers to reduce smoke exposure. The agency also recommended avoiding swamp coolers and whole-house fans that draw outside air indoors.
Officials emphasized that visible smoke, burning odors or falling ash should prompt precautions even when local air quality readings appear relatively low. South Coast AQMD said it would issue further updates if conditions change.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Manhattan Beach Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.