Multiple terminals closed at Port of Los Angeles after lithium battery fire

Operations at Port of Los Angeles suffered disruptions as an overturned tractor trailer carrying a load of lithium batteries ignited a fire near Ocean & Navy Way on Terminal Island on Thursday, leading to the closure of several terminals.

Firefighters will continue to monitor the battery fire through Thursday night and Friday, the Los Angeles Fire Department said in a statement, adding the fire is expected to last at least another 24-48 hours.

"APM Terminals, Fenix Marine, Everport, and Yusen Terminals will remain closed on Friday as local fire, hazmat, and police agencies 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 trade gateway.

Berkshire Hathaway-owned BNSF Railway said it has received a preliminary report of a traffic incident on Highway 47 which has limited some rail operations and access to several area port terminals in Los Angeles.

(Reporting by Rahul Paswan and Swati Verma in Bengaluru; editing by David Evans)