A tumultuous day unfolded across Los Angeles County on January 29, 2026. Residents faced significant events. A massive warehouse fire with dangerous explosions occurred in South El Monte. Simultaneously, widespread anti-ICE protests gained momentum throughout the region. Furthermore, new wildfires sprang up across the county.
Explosive Blaze in South El Monte
A large warehouse fire broke out in South El Monte. It happened on January 29th. The incident occurred in the 2200 block of North Tyler Avenue. Two adjacent buildings were involved. The blaze quickly escalated. Fire crews responded to the scene around 2:30 p.m. More than 100 firefighters battled the flames. Several explosions rocked the site. These blasts involved propane tanks and potentially hazardous metals like titanium. Officials were still investigating the exact materials burning inside. A shelter-in-place order was issued. This order affected residents in the immediate area. It lasted for about five hours. Residents were told to stay indoors. They needed to shut windows and doors. The order aimed to protect them from smoke and fumes. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. However, one witness reported seeing sparks from a forklift ignite a pile of material.
Protests Disrupt Los Angeles
Los Angeles County also saw significant demonstrations. Protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were widespread. These actions were part of a planned “National Shutdown”. The movement aimed to protest ICE activity. It also reacted to recent fatal encounters involving federal agents.
Students at UCLA organized a large walkout. Over 1,000 demonstrators marched on campus. They called for ICE to be removed from campuses and streets. Protests also took place at Cal State Long Beach. Larger demonstrations were expected at LA City Hall. The protests highlighted concerns about immigration enforcement tactics. Several groups organized these actions.
Consequently, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) announced a temporary closure. Both its Grand Avenue and Geffen Contemporary locations would close on January 30th. This decision was made due to scheduled demonstrations. It acknowledged potential impacts on access for staff and visitors.
New Wildfires Emerge
Adding to the day’s challenges, several new wildfires were reported. These ignitions occurred on January 29th in Los Angeles County. The specific causes for these fires are still undetermined. Their containment status also remains unknown. Southern California had faced elevated fire danger. However, a significant rainfall event was anticipated in late December or early January.
A Day of Multiple Crises
January 29, 2026, proved to be a day of significant events for Los Angeles. The South El Monte fire presented immediate public safety concerns. Protests highlighted deep divisions over immigration policy. The emergence of new wildfires added environmental worries. These combined incidents underscore the complex challenges facing the region. The Los Angeles community navigated these multiple crises throughout the day. Further investigations into the warehouse fire and wildfire causes are ongoing. News coverage continues on these developing situations.
