Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass confirmed the scale of the operation, describing a multi-agency response that involved land-based engines, ladder trucks and fireboats working in concert. Crews focused on containing the blaze to the vessel, preventing ignition of adjacent containers and limiting heat transfer to dock infrastructure.
The Port of Los Angeles, recognized as the busiest container gateway in North America, remained operational in other areas, though traffic near the affected berth was temporarily restricted. According to port officials, harbor pilots and tugboats held two neighboring cargo ships at anchor as a precaution while firefighters advanced hose lines onto the One Henry Hudson.
LAFD Hazardous Materials units employed gas-detection monitors to assess ambient conditions for volatile organic compounds and other contaminants. As of late Friday, readings showed no immediate threat to surrounding communities, and the department had issued no evacuation orders. Air monitoring was scheduled to continue overnight.
The One Henry Hudson is operated by One Ocean Express, a Singapore-based carrier. Prior to arriving in Los Angeles, the vessel completed calls at Kobe, Nagoya and Tokyo, Japan, according to port records. One Ocean Express did not respond to an emailed request for comment regarding the fire or the nature of the cargo currently on board.
Firefighters reported challenging conditions within the ship’s interior, where high heat, confined spaces and obstructed visibility slowed progress. Crews used thermal-imaging cameras to locate hotspots and applied both water streams and foam designed for Class B fires, which are common in incidents involving combustible liquids and electrical equipment.
As part of standard protocol, the United States Coast Guard established a safety zone around the affected berth. Coast Guard investigators are expected to join LAFD personnel in determining the fire’s origin once the situation is stable. Electrical malfunction remains the leading hypothesis, though officials emphasized that the inquiry is in its early stages.
The Port of Los Angeles processes roughly one-fifth of the nation’s incoming containerized trade each year, according to statistics available on the port’s official website. Fire incidents aboard cargo ships, while uncommon, present complex challenges due to the quantity and variety of goods carried. Port officials noted that emergency drills are conducted regularly to prepare for scenarios involving hazardous materials and large-scale fires.
No timeline has been provided for the full extinguishment of the blaze. LAFD officials stated that crews would remain on scene throughout the night to conduct overhaul operations, eliminate residual heat sources and ensure the structural integrity of the vessel. Additional updates are expected once investigators can access the lower holds safely.
Crédito da imagem: Associated Press
