A fire that began on Wednesday continues to burn in a large cold storage facility in Boyle Heights. Firefighters face several challenges, including ammonia leaks, and steel walls lined with gas-emitting foam, and the presence of solar panels. These factors have complicated the efforts to control the fire.
Both Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency to mobilize resources for firefighting and community assistance. Community groups, along with Assemblymember Mark González and City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, have organized free mask and air purifier giveaways. Although air quality officials initially issued shelter-in-place orders, they have since been withdrawn, reassuring residents about current air quality levels.
Over the weekend, smoke from the Lineage Logistics building disrupted traffic on the 5 Freeway. Visibility was reduced, and a noticeable odor was present despite closed windows and recirculating air conditioning. Smoke has drifted northeast towards East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, with plumes reaching areas as far as San Bernardino County and Simi Valley.
Historical Pollution Challenges in L.A.’s Eastside
The Eastside of L.A. has long struggled with pollution. The construction of major freeways in the 1950s worsened air quality. Additionally, warehouses and factories in Vernon and City of Commerce have contributed to ongoing pollution. In the 1980s, the Mothers of East Los Angeles successfully opposed several environmentally harmful projects.
According to Ann Carlson, author of Smog and Sunshine: The Surprising Story of How Los Angeles Cleaned Up Its Air, environmental justice concerns now influence policy discussions about air pollution in Southern California. However, the Eastside continues to demand the right to clean neighborhoods.
The state has invested over $700 million in cleaning lead-contaminated soil in Vernon after the closure of a battery recycling plant in 2015. Recently, an oil line rupture spilled 2,500 gallons of oil on Avenida Cesar E. Chavez, affecting the Los Angeles River.
Community Impact and Concerns
Assemblymember Jessica M. Caloza highlighted environmental challenges faced by communities like East L.A. and Boyle Heights. These neighborhoods, often comprising immigrant Latino working-class residents, continue to experience environmental hazards. The fire at the cold storage facility presents further challenges. The facility, covering the size of 10 football fields, stores up to 85 million pounds of food. Fire Department Chief Jamie Moore noted that removing the rotten food will be a significant challenge once the fire is extinguished.
The ongoing situation has resulted in smoky air, unpleasant odors, and many questions regarding health and safety. Residents are advised on how to handle the effects of smoke and potential health impacts.