A major emergency was declared at the Port of Los Angeles on Friday night as more than 100 firefighters worked to combat a massive blaze on a cargo ship, authorities said.

The fire broke out late on Friday night, spreading throughout its lower decks and torching cargo containers. Fears that the flames would consume and burn hazardous materials stored on the ship, a shelter-in-place order was put in effect for neighborhoods near the port.

Authorities have issued a shelter-in-place warning for some San Pedro residents, advising them to stay indoors, turn off air conditioning, and set their cars to recirculate air due to a fire on a container ship at the Port of Los Angeles.

The board approved the findings and a set of recommendations to prevent similar tragedies during a hearing in Washington.