A devastating industrial fire erupted in South Gate on Sunday, triggering an immediate shelter-in-place order for residents and businesses near Garfield Avenue and Imperial Highway. According to KTLA reports, the blaze was first reported around 2 p.m., with emergency crews arriving at the 18000 block of Industrial Avenue to find a one-story building fully engulfed in flames.

Heavy smoke prompted firefighters to adopt a defensive strategy, escalating the incident to a three-alarm response. The South Gate Police Department issued the shelter order instructing residents and businesses to “bring all people and pets indoors,” close doors and windows, follow law and fire instructions, and call 911 for emergencies. Authorities also warned residents to avoid Gardendale and Industrial streets due to ongoing hazards.

The incident caused a power outage affecting nearly 500 Southern California Edison customers near the scene, initially expected to be resolved by 5 p.m. but still active at 6 p.m. Sunday. Fire officials reported the blaze was knocked down at 4:19 p.m., though crews remained on site for further assessment.

Residents shared footage showing intense flames and smoke billowing into the sky, with trees near the facility reportedly ignited. The cause of the fire remains unclear, and no additional information is available at this time.