Massive Fire Spreads to 2 Buildings in Los Angeles
- World news
- November, 11, 2026 - 09:50
The fire was reported around 1:02 am at 5505 S. Alameda St., near East 55th Street and the city of Vernon, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Arriving crews found a 100-by-100-foot commercial building fully engulfed in flames, prompting firefighters to call for additional resources.
The blaze quickly escalated into a major emergency, with firefighters from the Los Angeles city and county fire departments working to contain the growing fire.
As flames spread to an adjacent building, firefighters shifted to a defensive strategy at the original structure, battling the blaze from outside while other crews entered the neighboring building to prevent the fire from spreading further, LAFD officials said.
After a four-hour and 22-minute firefight, nearly 150 LAFD firefighters achieved a knockdown of the blaze, officials confirmed. No injuries were reported.
Video obtained by KTLA showed towering flames and thick smoke rising from the commercial property as firefighters worked through the early morning hours, KTLA Los Angeles reported.
KTLA traffic reporter Ginger Chan said the fire broke out at a recycling facility, warning that nearby businesses could also be affected.
The fire also caused significant traffic disruptions in the industrial area, with Alameda Street closed near East 55th Street as emergency crews continued their operations.
Chan urged drivers traveling into or out of Vernon to avoid the Alameda corridor during the Monday morning commute.
Slauson Avenue was recommended as an east-west alternative, while Compton Avenue and Long Beach Avenue were suggested for north-south travel.
Although the flames have been knocked down, firefighters are expected to remain at the scene for an extended period to conduct overhaul operations, which involve checking for and extinguishing any remaining hot spots.
LAFD heavy equipment crews and the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety are also assisting with the response.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.