'Major emergency' fire threatens Port of Los Angeles as 150 firefighters battle to extinguish warehouse engulfed in flames

A wharf caught fire near the Port of Los Angeles, causing what officials called a 'major emergency' as a warehouse and two terminals were evacuated.

Los Angeles fire spokeswoman Katherine Main said the Monday night fire in the Wilmington area forced the removal of surrounding boats that were licked by the flames of the blaze that stretched for 150 feet.

Before the fire neared containment, some 150 firefighters from both Los Angeles and Long Beach had a hand in the battle.

'Major emergency': Los Angeles firefighters

From all sides: Main said firefighters attacked the blaze from helicopters and trucks, but fireboats are the only thing proving effective
By around 8:30 Pacific, @LAFD tweeted, 'The bulk of the fire contained at 8:30 PM; Firefighters continue to fully extinguish this challenging fire.'

'There were about four employees in the warehouse who have (been) safely evacuated, and firefighters are now inside,' Main told CBS Los Angeles as the fire still burned.

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LAFD (LAFD) | Twitter
Main said firefighters attacked the blaze from helicopters and trucks, but fireboats are the only thing proving effective.

Divers were in the water helping to direct them and assess damage and risk.

Stinky: Nearby residents complained of the horrible stench that emanated from the massive blaze

No one harmed: Main says the wharf is burning under a warehouse with large metal coils inside, and four workers were safely evacuated.
Main says the wharf is burning under a warehouse with large metal coils inside, and four workers were safely evacuated.

It sent huge billows of dark smoke into the night sky. After about two hours there was little visible smoke but the blaze was still burning under the wharf and two terminals were evacuated due to smoke.

The 7500 acre port is among the world's largest. Around $285.4 billion worth of cargo passed through it, mostly from Asia, in 2013.

Serious scare: The fire was directly under a large warehouse right in the center of the massive, 7500 acre port. It was all but under control before 9pm Pacific

Major threat: The Port of Los Angeles is one of the world's busiest. Around $285.4 billion worth of cargo passed through it, mostly from Asia, in 2013

Culled from :  dailymail