Massive junkyard fire erupts in Lancaster, thousands of vehicles burned

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - A massive junkyard fire broke out in the Lancaster area, sending up thick, black smoke in Los Angeles County.

The fire erupted Thursday afternoon at a recycling facility in the 400 block of West Avenue I.

Fire officials initially said an estimated 300 crushed vehicles were burning, although that number increased to about 1,500 by 6 p.m. as flames spread through the area.

Crews at the scene indicated that several recreational vehicles and possibly some outbuildings also burned.

The fire was not threatening any homes, but due to the potentially toxic smoke emanating from the flames, the sheriff's department issued a shelter-in-place order for neighborhoods between Division Street and Challenger Way north of Avenue I.

The fire was contained and fully extinguished by 9:25 p.m. Thursday, according to officials.

Firefighters remained at the scene throughout the night to ensure all flames had been knocked down and to conduct a clean-up operation.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

City News Service contributed to this report