State of Emergency Expected Due to Warehouse Fire in Boyle Heights

L.A. city officials announced plans to declare a state of emergency because of an ongoing warehouse fire in Boyle Heights. The Los Angeles Fire Department continues to combat the blaze, which started Wednesday and has generated irritating smoke across the region.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jamie Moore characterized the blaze as a ‘unique challenge’ for the city and county. The fire is in a 500,000-square-foot building at 1400 S. Los Palos St., housing 85 million pounds of frozen food. The steel walls, filled with dense foam, burn slowly and release smoke despite water drops from helicopters.

Moore advised people with lung issues or smoke sensitivity to avoid outdoor activities. While the hazardous-materials segment of the blaze is under control, efforts now focus on the biohazard posed by spoiled food. A shelter-in-place order ended Friday, despite reports of smoke odor and haze affecting air quality in areas including the San Gabriel Valley, Northeast Los Angeles, Glendale, and Burbank.

Two Red Cross smoke respite shelters are available at City Terrace Park and Pecan Recreation Center. Mayor Karen Bass announced the impending state of emergency declaration and sought assistance from Governor Gavin Newsom. Bass stressed safety concerns because of potentially toxic smoke from chemicals used in preserving frozen food.

L.A. County health officer Muntu Davis highlighted risks related to smoke and fine particles, which can irritate the ear, nose, throat, and lungs while worsening heart and lung issues. Davis urged individuals, especially those with pre-existing conditions and children, to monitor their health closely.

Lineage Logistics owns the warehouse and attributes the fire to contractors testing the solar array on the facility’s roof. In a statement to CBS, Lineage emphasized its commitment to community health and safety, working closely with the LAFD and other agencies. It clarified that the warehouse does not store hazardous materials, although flare-ups have posed challenges for firefighters.

The inferno initially triggered explosions from an ammonia line, creating dramatic flames and necessitating evacuation. Authorities ordered shelter-in-place commands, which were lifted and then reinstated as new fires ignited. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a special particle pollution advisory, active until 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

Firefighters employed creative tactics to address the difficult blaze within the freezer-like building with insulated materials. LAFD Battalion Chief Nicholas Ferrari mentioned that crews removed ammonia from the refrigeration system early on. While progress is being made, efforts continue to enable firefighters to extinguish the fire fully.