A significant Container Ship Fire aboard the vessel ‘One Henry Hudson’ at the Port of Los Angeles late Friday evening, November 21, 2025, prompted a large-scale emergency response involving hundreds of firefighters and multiple agencies. This maritime incident, which began below deck and escalated to include an explosion, led to approximately 100 cargo containers being affected, raising immediate concerns about hazardous materials and prompting a temporary shelter-in-place order for nearby communities during this intense Container Ship Fire.
Container Ship Fire Ignites Below Deck, Spreading Rapidly
The fire was first reported around 6:38 p.m. on Friday, November 21, aboard the Panama-flagged vessel ‘One Henry Hudson,’ which was docked at Berth 218 in the Port of Los Angeles. Crew members onboard alerted authorities to an electrical fire that originated in the lower decks. The blaze quickly spread upwards through multiple inaccessible sub-levels, presenting extraordinary challenges for responders dealing with this severe Container Ship Fire.
An hour after the initial report, around 8:00 p.m., a mid-ship explosion occurred, causing onboard lights and crane operations to fail. Responders also identified hazardous materials within the affected cargo bays, prompting significant concern for potential contamination and public safety during the ongoing Container Ship Fire. The nature of the Container Ship Fire necessitated a careful and strategic approach to containment.
Coordinated Multi-Agency Response to Container Ship Fire
A Unified Command structure was swiftly established, bringing together the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), the Los Angeles Port Police, and representatives of the shipping company, Ocean Network Express (ONE). The LAFD deployed nearly 200 personnel, including numerous fire companies and specialized units such as Heavy Rescue, HazMat, USAR, Fire Boats, and Air Operations, to combat the Container Ship Fire. The Long Beach Fire Department also contributed with two Battalion Chiefs, a foam apparatus, and fire boats, working alongside the LAFD’s fleet to address the escalating Container Ship Fire. This maritime incident at the Port of Los Angeles saw unprecedented inter-agency collaboration for a Container Ship Fire.
Thermal imaging from a CalOES FIRIS fixed-wing aircraft was utilized to monitor fire conditions and heat signatures from above. Due to the inaccessible nature of the fire’s origin and the presence of hazardous materials during the Container Ship Fire, firefighting efforts were adapted. At one point, all firefighting personnel were ordered to withdraw from the ship, and the battle against the Container Ship Fire continued from a safe distance using master streams, a critical decision during this complex Container Ship Fire.
Vessel Moved Offshore, Shelter-in-Place Lifted Amidst Container Ship Fire Aftermath
As a precautionary measure against potential smoke and hazardous material spread following the Container Ship Fire, a shelter-in-place order was issued for residents in the San Pedro and Wilmington communities in the early hours of Saturday, November 22. However, continuous air monitoring by LAFD HazMat teams, the Environmental Protection Agency, and LA County Health Hazmat indicated air quality readings remained within normal ranges, even with the lingering effects of the Container Ship Fire. The emergency response to this Container Ship Fire was extensive.
In a large-scale coordinated effort, agencies undocked the ‘One Henry Hudson’ and escorted it from the Port of Los Angeles out to sea beyond the Vincent Thomas Bridge. By approximately 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, the vessel was successfully anchored about one mile offshore near Angel’s Gate Lighthouse, allowing firefighting and cooling efforts to continue while minimizing risk to the port and community from the recent Container Ship Fire. The shelter-in-place order was lifted by Saturday morning, following diligent efforts to manage the aftermath of the Container Ship Fire.
Minimal Impact on Port Operations, Investigation into Container Ship Fire Underway
Remarkably, all 23 crew members aboard the ‘One Henry Hudson’ were safely accounted for, and no injuries were reported during the incident, a fortunate outcome given the severity of the Container Ship Fire. The Port of Los Angeles, a critical hub for global commerce and North America’s busiest container port, experienced temporary disruptions, with four of its seven container terminals suspending operations. However, port operations largely resumed as normal by Saturday, November 22, despite the significant Container Ship Fire.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Officials are still assessing the extent of damage and whether any specific hazardous materials caught fire during the Container Ship Fire. The U.S. Coast Guard established a safety zone around the vessel offshore and is assisting with stability and hazardous material assessments related to the Container Ship Fire. This was a serious shipping vessel fire incident.
This current event underscores the complex challenges faced by major ports like the Port of Los Angeles, which is a vital gateway for U.S. trade and plays a crucial role in the global supply chain. Incidents like this Container Ship Fire highlight the importance of robust emergency preparedness and inter-agency cooperation in the face of a maritime incident. The Port of Los Angeles remains a trending topic in news cycles due to its significance and the ongoing developments in supply chain logistics and security, especially following this major Container Ship Fire.
