Fire crews were battling a large blaze at a Compton pallet yard Wednesday afternoon.
The fire was reported in the area of Alameda Street and East Rosecrans Avenue around 4:45 p.m., according to the Compton Fire Department.
Thick black smoke was billowing through the air as Sky5 arrived above the scene around 5:30 p.m.
At least one structure was fully engulfed, with others being threatened. Crews had set up a line of defense around the residences on the 1300 block of Springe Avenue, behind the pallet yard.
Jonathan Matheny, a public information officer for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, later confirmed that the area lost three homes to the fire.
“Unfortunately, we have damage to an unknown number of homes,” Matheny added.
Road closures in the area included Long Beach Boulevard, Alameda Street and Willowbrook Avenue all at Rosecrans Avenue; Alameda Street at Compton Boulevard; and Willowbrook Avenue at Elm and Spruce streets, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Traffic appeared to be at a standstill on nearby Rosecrans Avenue.
Palm trees in the area had also caught fire, aerial footage showed.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department was assisting in the fire fight. About 150 to 200 firefighters were assigned to the fire.