Massive Cargo Ship Fire Contained in Port of Los Angeles After Hazardous Material Concerns
los Angeles, CA – november 23, 2025 – A meaningful fire that erupted Friday night aboard the container ship One Henry Hudson in the Port of Los Angeles has been largely contained, officials confirmed Saturday. The blaze, which involved hazardous materials, prompted a shelter-in-place order for the communities of San Pedro and Wilmington, but that order was lifted Saturday morning as air quality improved. This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with large-scale maritime shipping and the complex emergency response protocols required to mitigate them.
Timeline of Events & Initial Response
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) first received reports of an electrical fire below deck of the 1,100-foot vessel at 6:38 p.m. on November 22nd. The One Henry Hudson, sailing under the Panamanian flag and recently arrived from Tokyo via Vessel Finder, was carrying a considerable cargo of containers. shortly before 8:00 p.m., a reported explosion rocked the ship, disrupting power to critical systems including lighting and cranes.
the immediate priority was the safety of the 23 crew members onboard.LAFD confirmed that all personnel were safely evacuated and assisted off the ship,with no injuries reported. Recognizing the potential for toxic smoke due to the presence of hazardous materials within the cargo containers, a shelter-in-place order was issued covering a large area from Western Avenue to the 103 Freeway.
Hazardous Materials & Containment Efforts
The presence of hazardous materials considerably complicated firefighting efforts.LAFD personnel, equipped with full protective suits and self-contained breathing apparatus, worked diligently to suppress the blaze. Specially trained hazardous materials crews continuously monitored air quality throughout the incident.
Initially, the fire spanned approximately 100 containers across four compartments of the ship. However, through aggressive firefighting tactics, the blaze was successfully contained to a single compartment by Saturday morning. Fire boats, rotating crews every four hours, continuously sprayed water onto the ship’s exterior to cool the hull and aid in internal suppression efforts.
“It’s safely been moved into open water,” stated LAFD Captain Adam VanGerpen. “There’s no danger to the public.”
Strategic Vessel Relocation & Safety Perimeter
To further minimize risk, the One Henry hudson was carefully towed out of the port area overnight and anchored approximately one mile offshore, near Angels Gate Lighthouse. This strategic relocation,completed around 4:30 a.m. Saturday, allowed for a more controlled firefighting operation and reduced the potential for impact on port operations.
The U.S. Coast Guard established an initial safety perimeter of one nautical mile around the vessel, which was later reduced to a half-mile as the situation stabilized. The California Highway Patrol closed the Vincent thomas Bridge, a vital access point to the port’s terminals, as a precautionary measure, advising drivers to seek alternative routes.
Expert Salvage Team & Ongoing Monitoring
Recognizing the complexity of the situation, the city contracted a specialized salvage team of firefighters experienced in cargo ship firefighting.This team was en route and expected to arrive on scene by mid-day Saturday.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted continuous atmospheric monitoring for potentially toxic smoke. Crucially, air quality readings remained “in the green,” prompting the lifting of the shelter-in-place order. This positive outcome is a testament to the effectiveness of the containment efforts and the diligent monitoring by environmental agencies.
Government Response & Future Implications
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) confirming the city’s continued close monitoring of the situation. Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the incident, and his office coordinated with local authorities to ensure a thorough response.
This incident serves as a critical reminder of the potential risks associated with the global shipping industry.The Port of Los Angeles, a major gateway for international trade, handles a massive volume of cargo, including hazardous materials. This event will likely prompt a review of existing safety protocols and emergency response plans to further enhance preparedness for similar incidents in the future.
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* Vessel Finder – One Henry hudson
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