Los Angeles Cargo Ship Fire Nearly Contained, Shelter-in-Place Order Lifted

Fire Erupts Aboard Container Ship ONE Henry Hudson

A significant electrical fire that broke out aboard the container ship ONE Henry Hudson at the Port of Los Angeles on Friday, November 21, 2025, was reported as nearly contained by Saturday afternoon. The blaze, which originated below deck around 6:38 p.m. local time, prompted a large-scale emergency response and a temporary shelter-in-place order for nearby communities.

The 1,100-foot (336-meter) vessel, operated by Ocean Network Express (ONE) and registered in Panama, was docked at the Yusen Container Terminal when the fire began. An explosion occurred mid-deck around 8 p.m., leading to power and crane operation disruptions on the ship. The fire subsequently spread to several container bays.

Emergency Response and Hazardous Materials Concerns

A 'major emergency' was declared, mobilizing more than 100 firefighters, with some reports indicating up to 186 personnel, from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), Long Beach Fire Department, Los Angeles Port Police, and the U.S. Coast Guard. All 23 crew members of the ONE Henry Hudson were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

Concerns over potentially toxic smoke and hazardous materials within the ship's cargo led to a shelter-in-place order for the communities of San Pedro and Wilmington. The ship's manifest indicated hazardous materials in the involved bays, and firefighters wore protective suits and oxygen masks. LAFD Captain Adam Van Gerpen noted that some containers might have held lithium-ion batteries and other hazardous waste, though it was unclear which specific containers were affected by the fire.

Containment Efforts and Resumption of Operations

The shelter-in-place order was lifted by Saturday morning, around 6:30 a.m., after air quality monitors showed readings 'in the green'. The vessel was moved out of the port overnight and anchored offshore in open water, where fireboats continued to spray water to cool the hull and suppress remaining flames. Drones and thermal imaging aircraft were utilized to monitor the fire's extent.

While four of the port's seven container terminals initially suspended operations, normal port activities resumed by Saturday morning. State Route 47, which had been closed due to smoke and visibility concerns, was also reopened. The cause of the electrical fire remains under investigation.