Massive Fire Sends Black Smoke Over South Gate

At approximately 2:11 p.m. on May 24, 2026, multiple Los Angeles County Fire Department crews responded to a major structure fire on Industrial Avenue in South Gate.

Due to the size and intensity of the fire, a second alarm was quickly requested as thick black smoke billowed into the sky and became visible for miles across the region.

Video from the scene showed South Gate Police officers urgently clearing people from nearby businesses and streets because of concerns involving propane tanks in the area.

Authorities later issued a shelter-in-place order for surrounding neighborhoods, advising residents to remain indoors with doors and windows closed due to smoke conditions.

Firefighters remained in defensive operations for an extended period while working to contain the blaze and protect nearby structures.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.