United States: Los Angeles in a state of emergency following a warehouse fire

A state of emergency was declared Saturday in the city of Los Angeles, as firefighters have been battling a warehouse fire for several days, with black smoke emanating from the building.

The fire started Wednesday afternoon in a 46,400 square meter frozen food warehouse, where burning insulation, a potential ammonia leak and melting solar panels complicated operations, according to authorities.

The state of emergency will "ensure that the city has the resources it needs," Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement.

"The smell of smoke has spread throughout most of the city, and we encourage everyone to limit their exposure as much as possible," the Los Angeles Fire Department said in a Facebook post.

The fire has been contained to the warehouse but continues to burn, giving off smoke with the smell of charred plastic.

Residents of the Boyle Heights neighborhood in East Los Angeles were initially advised to stay home, close their windows, and avoid breathing the ambient air.

Authorities have opened 24-hour shelters for people unable to avoid smoke.

But firefighters have since lifted these instructions, stating that the smoke is not toxic and is similar to that of a typical building fire.

Air quality officials have nevertheless issued warnings recommending that residents of affected areas avoid all outdoor activities.

City councillor Ysabel Jurado, who represents the district where the fire took place, expressed concern about the long-term health consequences for local residents.

"Residents have had to endure several days of smoke, confinement orders, disruptions to their daily lives, and persistent questions about the impact of this situation on their health and well-being," she denounced in a statement on Saturday.