Investigation into Lineage Warehouse Fire in Boyle Heights

On October 6, law enforcement officers from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control conducted an investigation at the Lineage Cold Storage Solutions warehouse in Boyle Heights. This inspection is part of a criminal investigation linked to a fire that occurred earlier this summer.

Authorities were observed in the warehouse offices before noon. An officer stated it was part of a criminal investigation without disclosing specific details. Representatives from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office were present at the scene, with two dark sedans blocking the entryway.

The Lineage warehouse faced a massive fire, starting on June 17, which took approximately a week to extinguish. The firefighting efforts were challenged by factors such as roof-mounted solar panels that initially could not be de-energized, hindering access, 50-foot stacks of frozen goods creating safety risks, and a sudden ammonia gas leak that led to a shelter-in-place order for nearby buildings.

After the fire, Lineage was responsible for removing 89 million pounds of meat and food from the warehouse to prevent spoilage in the extreme heat. The clearance process spanned over six weeks, during which local residents reported increased rodent activity, flies, and health issues.

Although the fire’s cause remains undetermined, solar panels on the roof have not been ruled out by Los Angeles Fire Department investigators. Nearby business owner Martín Ramírez noted that the warehouse appeared to be functioning normally with workers and heavy machinery until it suddenly emptied out.

Lineage officials have not yet provided a comment regarding the inquiry. The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover the source of the fire and address community concerns following the incident.