(Reuters) – Operations at the Port of Los Angeles experienced disruptions on Thursday when an overturned tractor carrying a load of lithium batteries sparked a fire near Ocean & Navy Way on Terminal Island, leading to the closure of several terminals.
Firefighters will continue to monitor the battery fire Thursday evening and Friday, the Los Angeles Fire Department said in a statement, adding that the fire is expected to last at least 24 to 48 hours.
“APM Terminals, Fenix Marine, Everport and Yusen Terminals will remain closed Friday while local fire, hazmat and police continue their response efforts,” the Port of Los Angeles said in a statement on social media platform X.
Trapac and West Basin Container Terminal will remain open, along with the World Cruise Center, the port said.
Port officials are working closely with responding agencies, container terminal operators, union officials and other stakeholders to ensure safety and minimize disruptions to port operations, it added.
The Port of Los Angeles is the nation’s busiest ocean trading gateway.
BNSF Railway, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, said it has received a preliminary report of a traffic incident on Highway 47 that has restricted some rail operations and access to several port terminals in Los Angeles.
