In June, a massive fire engulfed a food warehouse in Los Angeles, casting a dense smoke over parts of the city. This was not the first such incident associated with the company Lineage, which operates temperature-controlled warehouses around the world. According to federal records, there have been at least 63 fires at Lineage-related properties over the past decade. The company acknowledges 34 of these incidents, including one in Finley, Washington, which burned for nearly two months.
The company’s safety measures are under increased scrutiny following a significant fire on June 17 in Boyle Heights. Residents in the area continue to cope with persistent odors and pests, and remain uncertain about potential exposure to pollutants. Unhappiness with leadership extends from the company to government levels, as expressed by a resident during a heated community meeting.
The Boyle Heights warehouse involved is owned by Chill Build LLC but was leased by Lineage. The company has stated it is actively working on improving conditions, focusing on odor and pest control as well as food waste removal. Meanwhile, several residents have filed lawsuits against Lineage, Chill Build LLC, and other involved parties, asserting negligence in operating and maintaining the facility.
The fire, which became one of the largest industrial fires in recent LA history, destroyed roughly 85 million pounds of food. This incident raises broader environmental and health concerns, according to environmental experts like Dr. Jill Johnston from the University of California, Irvine. The fire’s proximity to businesses and homes emphasizes the risks associated with industrial disasters in urban settings.
Lineage, with over 500 facilities worldwide, emphasizes safety as a core value. Yet, fire incidents keep recurring. A report identifies multiple fires in various locations, including previous incidents at the same Boyle Heights site and other facilities around the country.
Residents in Finley have taken legal action after a fire allegedly contaminated local air and water, leading to illnesses and two deaths. Although Lineage disputes these claims, the company has faced over $4.5 million in penalties for alleged safety and environmental violations since 2014.
Cold storage facilities often use anhydrous ammonia, posing further risks. In 2020, a fatal ammonia leak occurred in a Lineage facility in North Carolina. These warehouses’ proximity to residential areas makes such incidents particularly concerning.
Following the Boyle Heights fire, Lineage claimed to have removed ammonia quickly and reported no dangerous ammonia levels in the community. However, air quality data suggested ammonia levels were notably higher near the warehouse compared to other LA neighborhoods.
The Environmental Protection Agency has requested information from Lineage regarding its safety compliance. The challenge remains in ensuring safety in facilities like these, often located near homes and schools to facilitate fast food distribution.
Residents continue to call for the permanent closure of the Boyle Heights facility, as cleanup operations progress. Lineage asserts its commitment to community support and safety excellence, maintaining that its industry safety performance is above average.