Los Angeles Declares Emergency Due to Prolonged Warehouse Fire

Los Angeles has declared a state of emergency in response to a persistent warehouse fire in Boyle Heights, which has been burning for several days.

Cause of the Fire

Lineage Logistics, the operator of the affected building, indicated that the fire likely started during solar array testing on the roof by third-party contractors.

Implications of a State of Emergency

The emergency declaration triggers the city’s response systems, instructs departments to evaluate damages and costs, and seeks state assistance for firefighting, cleanup, environmental monitoring, and community recovery. As of Saturday afternoon, the state had not announced an emergency.

Challenges in Extinguishing the Fire

The fire erupted on Wednesday, spreading over the 500,000-square-foot facility which stores a substantial 85 million pounds of frozen food, effectively functioning as a massive cooler. Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jamie Moore describes the building’s dense foam-filled steel walls that burn gradually and emit gases despite helicopter water drops.

According to LAFD Chief Deputy Jon O’Brien, isolated pockets of smoldering fire remain trapped under structural debris and solar panels. The building’s size and the fire’s accessibility issues require innovative strategies like employing water-dropping helicopters and heavy equipment.

Air Quality and Health Concerns

Moore advises individuals with lung sensitivities to limit outdoor exposure, though hazardous materials have been mitigated at the site. Potential biohazards from spoiled food remain a concern.

L.A. County Health Officer Muntu Davis identifies smoke and fine particles causing ear, nose, throat, and lung irritation, potentially worsening heart and lung conditions. Vulnerable groups should use N95 and P100 masks and sign up for alerts at alertla.org.

Battery Risks and Safety Measures

There are concerns about lithium-ion batteries within the facility. While these batteries are often utilized for solar energy storage, confirmation of their presence wasn’t immediate. However, about 60 forklifts with lithium-ion batteries are housed in the building, remaining undamaged currently.

The risk was reduced when 56 forklifts were either moved or isolated from flames during a hazardous operation led by LAFD Battalion Chief Nicholas Ferrari.