Lancaster, CA: An intense fire at the Lancaster UPS distribution facility destroyed a building and engulfed trucks that caused explosions at the location Monday morning. All employees evacuated safely and were accounted for, with minor injuries to one person reported.
At approximately 8:55 a.m., Apr. 11, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department along with Los Angeles County Fire Department received several 911 calls for a structure fire with explosions at the UPS distribution facility located on the 200 block of West Avenue L.
Engines from multiple stations along with Battalion Chief 11 responded to the scene and discovered the 75 foot by 75 foot building well involved in fire extending into semi-trucks and delivery trucks at the UPS facility, according to Tom Stukey, Assistant Fire Chief with the Los Angeles County Fire Department interviewed at the location. Several explosions did occur coming from UPS trucks.
At 9:19 a.m., a second alarm was activated. Stukey said approximately 75 firefighters were on the scene and knockdown was achieved in 45 minutes. There was one injured employee right at the onset of the fire prior to the arrival of the fire department. The victim suffered minor burns to his hands and face and was transported to a local hospital, and should have full recovery, reported Stukey.
Stukey said UPS had an evacuation plan, and upon the arrival of the fire department, all employees were out of the building. The building was completely destroyed by fire along with approximately 25 daily UPS delivery trucks and approximately 10 semi-trucks. The trucks were all in a state of being unloaded or loaded, Stukey said. The rapid spread of the fire is under investigation by arson investigators.
Winds did not play a factor in the quick interior spread of the fire until it spread to the exterior of the building where firefighters fought to contain the fire to the property, according to Stukey.
LASD radio traffic reported the fire originated from the mechanic shop, however it is still unknown what caused the fire at this time.