An extensive fire broke out yesterday at a recycling yard located at 5487 W San Fernando Rd in Atwater Village, with first responders arriving at 09:31 a.m. to find an exterior blaze threatening several compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks, according to an LAFD alert. Firefighting crews switched to a defensive strategy, focusing on containment and their safety as the Los Angeles Police Department and Department of Transportation took charge of traffic control in the vicinity.
By 10:10 AM, as the situation continued to evolve, heavy equipment operators were called to aid in moving the combusting materials, a development that foretold an extended operation time and the impact on local streets due to the positioning of firefighting apparatus, smoke from the fire was also beginning to drift across the nearby 134 freeway, prompting advisories for drivers to exercise caution or avoid the area if possible, per an updated LAFD report.
A further update from the LAFD indicated that by 11:00 a.m. the number of firefighters working the incident had increased to approximately 70. The incident command made several additional requests, including a drone unit for better visual surveillance, LADWP support due to threatened utility infrastructure, and extra fire-suppressant foam. Concerns also extended to public transportation with LAFD maintaining communication with Metro Link Security to ensure the train operation's safety.
