Firefighters continue to tackle challenges at the Boyle Heights cold storage facility fire. Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency to bolster response efforts. The fire began on Wednesday at the 500,000-square-foot Lineage Big Bear facility located at 1400 S. Los Palos Street, which stores frozen foods.
LAFD’s Firefighting Tactics
L.A. Fire Chief Jamie Moore explained the structure resembles a giant cooler, built with corrugated steel walls filled with dense foam insulation and reinforced steel panels. Ammonia in the refrigeration system, used to maintain low temperatures for food storage, may have fueled the initial blaze.
LAFD crews used water-dropping helicopters to control the fire, affecting half of the building. The other half contains food starting to thaw due to the refrigeration system being turned off. Moore noted the insulation maintains an internal temperature of about 45 degrees.
Foam insulation inside makes the fire hard to control; it burns slowly when ignited. Helicopter water drops, alongside aerial ladder pipes directing thousands of gallons per minute, have cooled the structure and mitigated the fire’s spread. Contract helicopters drop 3,000 gallons at once, using blaze tamer gel to encapsulate smoke and smother flames.
Frozen Food Complications
An estimated 85 million pounds of food remain inside, complicating access due to zero visibility and unstable conditions. The thawing food—mostly chicken, beef, pork, and fish—poses a biohazard risk.
Officials are isolating unaffected areas, evaluating safe removal before spoilage creates biohazard concerns. Hazardous material risks were mitigated, but focus shifts to preventing biohazard issues.
Public Health and Safety Measures
No injuries were reported, and no evacuation orders issued. Despite smoke irritations, Mayor Bass emphasized public safety and health, particularly concerning smoke from chemicals used in food storage. Residents sensitive to smoke were advised to stay indoors.
Shelter locations opened for those affected, including Pecan Recreation Center and City Terrace Park. Masks and air filters are distributed, with Governor Newsom expected to issue a joint emergency declaration.
Emergency Declaration
Mayor Bass’s emergency declaration aims to coordinate response efforts, secure resources, conduct environmental remediation, and seek state and federal assistance. LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis echoed concerns over fire impact.
Health Concerns and Fire Origin
Residents raised concerns about air quality and health impacts. Officials noted particle pollution advisory until Sunday noon. Lineage Logistics stated the fire might have started during solar panel testing by a third-party contractor, emphasizing no hazardous materials were stored and ammonia levels were not concerning.
Continuing Efforts and Public Involvement
Fire crews are monitoring and adjusting tactics to contain the fire and reduce environmental and health impacts. Extinguishing the blaze could take weeks due to its scale. Residents noticing air quality concerns are urged to report to South Coast Air Quality Management District.