The ongoing fire at a refrigerated warehouse in Boyle Heights has caused frustration and health worries among residents and business owners. The fire’s smoke has engulfed nearby neighborhoods, impacting daily activities.
At Jim’s Burgers, close to the blaze, owner Manuel Orozco reported a significant decline in business. Sales have dropped by 70% over the past week because of the smoke. Health issues like high blood pressure and asthma have kept at least two workers from their jobs.
The fire, burning for more than a week, led to a state of emergency declaration by officials. Lineage, the building’s tenant-operator, stated that the fire might have started during testing of the solar array on the roof. Fire authorities corroborated this, stating the fire began on the roof. An investigation by state regulators is underway.
Jaime Moore, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief, described the 500,000-square-foot facility as a challenging fire due to its construction. The building, holding 85 million pounds of frozen food, acts like a giant cooler. Steel walls filled with dense foam are burning slowly despite ongoing water efforts.
Safety concerns prevent firefighters from entering the building, as parts of the roof have collapsed. More hazards come from solar panels on the roof. These panels, which continued producing power until recently, complicated firefighting efforts.
Orozco highlights the difficulty faced by small businesses like his. The smoke has deterred customers, severely affecting business operations. The smoke advisory remains, spreading to adjacent communities.
Efforts for assistance and community support are underway. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has ratified an emergency proclamation to access resources and support for disaster response. A motion introduced by Board Chair Hilda Solis and Supervisor Janice Hahn aims to continue health monitoring and explore compensation for affected communities.
The motions urge agencies to determine potential enforcement actions and enhance future disaster preparedness, including evaluating an emergency stockpile of air purifiers. A feasibility study is expected within 30 days.
Councilmember Ysabel Jurado has introduced motions addressing air quality and public transport. These seek resources for air purifiers and aim to increase transportation services in affected areas. Further, the Los Angeles Fire Department is directed to report on the fire’s cause and facility compliance.
Within the community, businesses struggle. Manny Villasenor from MV Automotive had to close early due to smoke, using fans to assist his mechanics. Cristina Medrano, owner of Kassandra’s Beauty Salon, also faced disruptions. The smoke has reduced client numbers, forcing her to cancel appointments and close her shop temporarily.
The prolonged fire exposure raises long-term health concerns. Residents report smelling the smoke even at home. Orozco, a seasoned business owner, remains hopeful despite ongoing challenges. He acknowledges past obstacles, including the rise in delivery services and federal actions affecting foot traffic.
Orozco believes conditions will improve, expressing optimism about the future.