Fire Challenges Persist at Boyle Heights Cold Storage Facility

Complex Fire Conditions Prompt Emergency Efforts in Boyle Heights

Firefighters continue to face challenges at the Boyle Heights cold storage facility fire. Mayor Karen Bass has declared a local emergency to bolster response efforts. The fire began on Wednesday afternoon at the 500,000-square-foot Lineage Big Bear facility. This facility stores frozen foods, and the fire complexity is due to its construction and materials.

Structural Challenges in Containing the Fire

L.A. Fire Chief Jamie Moore described the structure akin to a large cooler, with corrugated steel walls and dense foam insulation. The facility uses ammonia to maintain low temperatures, which might have fueled the fire initially. Moore explained the scenario by comparing the fire to a refrigerator igniting. LAFD crews, assisted by water-dropping helicopters, have controlled the fire to roughly half of the building. The unaffected half contains thawing food due to the halted refrigeration system.

The insulation keeps the internal temperature at around 45 degrees. The foam insulation burns slowly, complicating firefighting efforts. Crews rely on helicopter water drops and large aerial ladder pipes to cool the structure and curb escalation. Contract helicopters drop 3,000 gallons of water to control the blaze. Fire retardant gel is also being used to manage the smoke and smother the fire.

Firefighting Efforts and Concerns with Food Spoilage

Aerial footage shows flare-ups on the building’s roof. With 85 million pounds of frozen food inside, firefighters have limited access due to visibility issues and unstable conditions. Moore noted that the food, mostly meat products, is beginning to spoil, raising biohazard concerns. Crews are working to safely remove products before spoilage worsens the situation.

Hazardous material risks are mitigated, but the focus now shifts to biohazard issues from spoiling food. Officials stress that the priority is handling and removing stored products safely while containment measures are maintained.

Community Safety During the Incident

No injuries are reported among firefighters or civilians despite the severity of the incident. Residents are cautioned about smoke irritation, but no evacuation or shelter-in-place orders are currently active. Mayor Bass reiterated concerns about biohazard smoke and the chemicals used for food storage.

Two shelters have opened to assist affected residents, and authorities are distributing masks and air filters, thanks to the Red Cross. Discussions with Governor Newsom about a joint emergency declaration are underway to prevent environmental disaster from hazardous materials.

Emergency Declarations and Response Coordination

Mayor Bass issued an emergency declaration to enhance resource coordination, environmental remediation, and seek state and federal assistance. Bass emphasized the multi-jurisdictional nature of the incident and the necessity for adequate resources to ensure community safety.

LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis highlighted concerns about the fire’s impact on local residents. The fire’s radius affects about 250,000 households, stressing the importance of the city’s response efforts.

Health and Environmental Impact Concerns

Residents express concerns about long-term environmental and health impacts. The South Coast Air Quality Management District extended a particle pollution advisory, noting unhealthy PM2.5 levels after the fire reignition.

Lineage, the facility’s operator, suggested the fire might have originated from work by a third-party contractor handling solar panels. They have taken steps to remove ammonia, alleviating community exposure risks.

Continual monitoring and tactical adjustments by fire crews aim to contain the fire. Authorities warn that extinguishing the blaze may take days or weeks.

Residents should report air quality concerns to the South Coast Air Quality Management District by calling 1-800-CUT-SMOG or using the agency’s online complaint system. Current air quality updates can be found on the South Coast AQMD app or website.