A huge fire broke out at a large cold storage warehouse in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Thick black smoke quickly filled the sky and spread across nearby areas. City leaders told people living close to the building to stay inside their homes until the danger passed. The fire started on the roof of a cold storage facility in the Boyle Heights area near downtown Los Angeles. The building covers about 500,000 square feet and has solar panels across its roof. Around 110 firefighters rushed to the scene during the afternoon. Fire crews from both the city and county worked together with hazardous materials teams to control the growing fire and protect nearby neighborhoods. Officials have not yet confirmed what caused the blaze. Firefighters found the roof already burning when they arrived. The solar panels made the situation more difficult because they continued to produce electrical energy while on fire. Los Angeles officials quickly warned residents about possible health risks. People in nearby homes were asked to remain indoors, shut all windows and doors, turn off air conditioning systems, and avoid traveling through the affected area. The warning came after an ammonia pipe inside the warehouse was damaged during the emergency. Firefighters first climbed onto the roof and tried to stop the flames with water hoses. However, they had to leave the area after the damaged ammonia line released a large amount of gas into the air. Ammonia is widely used in cold storage buildings because it keeps products cool at a lower cost than many other systems. While useful, the chemical is also toxic and can become dangerous if released into the environment. Emergency crews monitored air quality throughout the area to check for harmful levels of ammonia. Officials also advised people with breathing problems and other health conditions to remain indoors until the situation improved. As the fire continued to grow, firefighters changed their strategy. The flames became too dangerous to fight from the roof, so helicopters were called in to attack the fire from above. At least three helicopters made several water drops over the burning warehouse. The aerial operation helped slow the fire while ground crews stayed at a safe distance. Fire officials said the intense heat and toxic gas forced firefighters to leave the immediate area for a short time. Safety remained the top priority as crews waited for the ammonia release to decrease. By the evening, emergency teams had largely contained the fire. However, officials noticed signs that parts of the roof were beginning to sag, creating another serious hazard for firefighters. The solar panels on the roof also raised concerns that the building could contain lithium-ion battery storage systems. These batteries are often used to save solar energy for later use. Lithium-ion batteries present special challenges during fires. They can enter a process called thermal runaway, where heat causes a chain reaction that creates more heat and can restart flames even after water is applied. Fire experts say these battery fires are difficult to control and can produce dangerous smoke filled with harmful chemicals. Because of this risk, firefighters must carefully plan each step of the response while protecting both emergency workers and nearby communities. Large warehouse fires involving solar panels and possible battery storage have become a growing concern across the country. Modern energy systems offer many benefits, but they also require new firefighting methods and specialized equipment. Investigators will continue examining the damaged building to determine how the fire started and whether any battery systems played a role. Officials are expected to release more information after the site is declared safe. Residents have been urged to follow official safety guidance and remain alert for updates as cleanup and investigation work continues in the Boyle Heights neighborhood.