Full Breakdown
South Gate Tire Recycling Facility Fire Prompts Shelter-in-Place Order
5/25/2026, 1:16:39 PM
South Gate Tire Recycling Facility Fire
On Sunday, May 24, 2026, a fire engulfed a one-story tire-recycling center, a 75-foot-by-75-foot building, at the 11800 block of Industrial Avenue, South Gate, California. The blaze produced a thick black plume visible in neighboring cities, including Paramount and Compton. No injuries were reported and no evacuations ordered, though the South Gate Police Department issued a temporary shelter-in-place directive.
Timeline of Key Events
- ~2:10 p.m. – Blaze reported (LACoFD).
- 2:15 p.m. – Capt. Aaron Katon confirmed arrival.
- 2:40 p.m. – LACoFD posted crews responded and took defensive stance.
- 4:20 p.m. – Fire extinguished; crews stayed for containment.
- ~7:30 p.m. – Shelter-in-place order lifted.
Key Agencies and Personnel
The response involved Los Angeles County Fire Department, led by Capt. Aaron Katon; South Gate Police Department, which closed Gardendale and Industrial Streets; County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who issued public safety guidance; and Downey Fire Department, which assisted. The facility appeared to be SSSJJ Auto Service.
Impact on Community
Thick smoke drifted over South Gate and nearby cities, prompting a shelter-in-place order advising residents and pets to stay indoors with doors and windows closed. Road closures forced motorists to seek alternate routes, and the plume was seen as far as Paramount and Compton. The fire’s proximity to homes heightened public concern.
Official Statements & Responses
County Supervisor Janice Hahn used X to urge indoor sheltering and later confirmed the order’s removal. Capt. Katon said the fire fully engulfed the single-story structure and noted no injuries. LACoFD classified the incident as a second-alarm fire and coordinated with Downey Fire Department. Downey officials reported no threat to their jurisdiction.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact arrival time of first responders, citing 2:10 p.m., 2:15 p.m., and 2:40 p.m. The fire’s ignition source remains unknown, and while no injuries have been reported, official confirmation is pending. Damage to adjacent structures is unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “People and pets should stay indoors with doors and windows closed,” — Janice Hahn, Los Angeles County Supervisor
- “Crews said that the fire was designated as a Second Alarm as the flames continued to rip through the property.” — LACoFD crews
- “Fire crews knocked down a fire in South Gate at a tire-recycling facility that sent plumes of thick black smoke billowing into the air Sunday afternoon.” — Los Angeles County Fire Department (X post)
What’s Next
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Crews will continue on-scene monitoring to ensure containment, and local agencies will assess structural damage to nearby properties. Residents should follow future public safety notices from the South Gate Police Department or Los Angeles County officials.
