The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — All container terminals at the Port of Los Angeles have been closed for precautionary reasons over concerns about air quality from a stubborn fire that is sending up a huge plume of smoke.
Port spokesman Philip Stansfield says the eight terminals will likely remain closed until the night shift begins about 5 p.m. Tuesday. He estimated that a few thousand employees, mostly longshore workers, were sent home.
Thick smoke from the fire prompted fire and police officials to urge nearby residents to remain indoors.
The blaze, sparked by a welder’s torch, forced about 850 people to evacuate when it was sparked Monday night.
Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas says while the bulk of the fire is under control, it could take until Tuesday evening for crews to fully extinguish the blaze.