A major fire broke out aboard the containership ONE Henry Hudson while it was berthed at Berth 218 in the Port of Los Angeles, prompting a large-scale multi-agency emergency response and temporarily disrupting port operations.

The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that the blaze originated below deck, likely from an electrical source, before spreading through several lower compartments of the vessel. Firefighters faced difficult conditions as the fire advanced into confined and inaccessible spaces, leading the Unified Command to shift to a defensive strategy. An explosion later occurred mid-ship, briefly disabling onboard lighting and crane systems and complicating suppression efforts.

Authorities established a Unified Command involving the Los Angeles Fire Department, Long Beach Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Los Angeles Port Police, and the ship’s operators. Hundreds of personnel, including HazMat teams, fire boats, rescue units, and aerial support, were deployed. Due to potential hazardous materials in the cargo, air-quality monitoring was conducted continuously, and a temporary shelter-in-place order was issued for nearby communities in San Pedro and Wilmington.

The ship’s 23 crew members were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. To reduce risks to port infrastructure and improve firefighting accessibility, the vessel was later undocked and towed to an offshore anchorage near Angel’s Gate, where suppression efforts continued under controlled conditions.

Officials confirmed that the fire was eventually brought under substantial control, allowing the port to resume operations after brief disruptions. Air monitoring results indicated safe environmental conditions, enabling authorities to lift community precautionary measures.

An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire, evaluate the condition of the cargo—including any hazardous contents—and assess any potential environmental or structural impact. The incident underscores ongoing challenges associated with fires aboard large container vessels and highlights the critical importance of coordinated emergency response in major ports.