Fire Causes Struggle for Boyle Heights Neighborhoods Amid Health Concerns

Firefighters are actively working to control a persistent and complicated fire at a large refrigerated warehouse in Boyle Heights. Both residents and business owners in the area have raised concerns about health and expressed frustration as smoke enveloped their neighborhoods.

At Jim’s Burgers, near the burning warehouse, owner Manuel Orozco and his staff wore face masks in an almost empty establishment. “No one is coming and it’s because of the smoke,” he remarked. “It’s been a difficult time.” Orozco estimated a 70% drop in sales over the past week, with at least two staff members unable to work due to health issues like high blood pressure and asthma.

The fire at the cold storage facility has been ongoing for over a week, leading local and state officials to declare a state of emergency. According to a statement by the warehouse operator Lineage, previously known as Lineage Logistics, the fire likely started when third-party contractors were testing solar panels on the roof. Los Angeles Fire Department officials suspect the fire began there and state regulators have started an investigation.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jaime Moore noted the challenges in combating the fire. The 500,000-square-foot facility, storing 85 million pounds of frozen food, is akin to a massive cooler. Inside, dense foam inside corrugated steel walls has ignited, releasing gases despite ongoing aerial water drops.

The structural instability, with the roof partially collapsed on tall steel racks, prevents fire crews from entering. Firefighters are also hindered by solar panels on the roof, which posed a risk until the power was cut off.

Manuel Orozco’s business, Jim’s Burgers, has suffered significantly due to the nearby warehouse fire.

The smoke has traveled to nearby communities, affecting residents and prompting smoke advisories. On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors ratified an emergency proclamation to access state and federal resources, support ongoing efforts, and secure disaster assistance. The board approved a motion, led by Board Chair Hilda Solis with support from Supervisor Janice Hahn, to continue health monitoring, environmental assessments, and community support.

County agencies, in collaboration with city and state partners, will investigate the incident, explore enforcement actions, and consider compensation options for affected residents and businesses. Hahn proposed establishing a stockpile of air purifiers and supplies for future emergencies, with a feasibility study expected in 30 days.

City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, representing Boyle Heights, introduced three motions at an L.A. City Council meeting. The first seeks funding for air purifiers and protective gear for Neighborhood Councils. The second aims to enhance transportation services in Boyle Heights and East L.A. The third calls for the Los Angeles Fire Department to report on the fire’s origin, compliance history, and oversight protocols.

During the council meeting, Jurado emphasized the impact on community members, noting the persistent smoke, health concerns, and business disruptions. “People are tired, they’re anxious, and they deserve answers,” she said.

The smoke continues to create difficulties for local businesses. At MV Automotive, Manny Villasenor closed early due to smoke and advised workers with asthma to stay home. Nearby, Cristina Medrano, owner of Kassandra’s Beauty Salon, canceled several appointments and closed her shop on some days due to heavy smoke.

“It’s been frustrating,” Medrano explained. “I thought it was just going to be a one-day thing or a few hours.” Even indoors, smoke penetrates, affecting her and her family.

Orozco at Jim’s Burgers also worries about his family’s health. Despite numerous challenges, he remains hopeful. “Life is not always terrible,” he said. “It will get better.”