Challenges Intensify for Firefighters at Boyle Heights Cold Storage Facility
Firefighters are grappling with renewed challenges at a large cold storage facility fire in Boyle Heights. Conditions remain highly complex, prompting Mayor Karen Bass to declare a local emergency to support response efforts.
Fire at Lineage Big Bear Facility
The fire began on Wednesday afternoon at the 500,000-square-foot Lineage Big Bear facility, located at 1400 S. Los Palos Street, which stores frozen foods. L.A. Fire Chief Jamie Moore described the facility as a ‘giant cooler’ with corrugated steel walls filled with foam insulation and reinforced interior panels.
The building uses ammonia for refrigeration to maintain temperatures suitable for frozen food storage. This may have intensified the fire initially.
Efforts to Contain the Blaze
LAFD crews, with water-dropping helicopters, have contained the fire to half the building. However, the unaffected section is filled with thawing food as the refrigeration system was turned off and ammonia removed. Inside temperatures remain around 45 degrees due to the insulation.
The materials, especially the foam insulation, make the fire hard to control. Helicopter water drops and large aerial ladder pipes delivering thousands of gallons of water per minute help cool and contain the structure.
“We stepped up our game,” said Moore. Contract helicopters dropping 3,000 gallons of water and blaze tamer gel are in use to manage the fire effectively.
Additional flare-ups have complicated efforts, creating large plumes of smoke. The fire continues to burn down some exterior walls.
Impact of 85 Million Pounds of Frozen Food
With approximately 85 million pounds of frozen food inside, access for firefighters is limited. Zero visibility and unstable interior conditions persist. The food, including meat products, is slowly spoiling, elevating biohazard concerns.
“Removing unaffected food is vital to prevent biohazard issues,” stated Moore. Hazardous material risks have mostly been resolved, shifting focus to managing stored products safely.
Safety and Community Concerns
No injuries have been reported, and no evacuation orders are currently in effect. Residents sensitive to air quality should stay indoors as smoke remains irritating but not dangerous enough to mandate evacuations.
Mayor Bass emphasized public safety and collaborated with Governor Newsom for potential support and resources. “The Governor will help us avert a major environmental disaster,” Bass said.
Emergency Declaration
Mayor Bass issued an emergency declaration to enhance resource coordination and seek further assistance. The Emergency Operations Center is activated, and requests for aid and recovery assistance are in progress.
L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis noted the fire’s impact encompasses a large area with 250,000 households.
Long-term Health Concerns
Residents expressed concerns about long-term environmental and health effects. Air Quality Management District officials extended a particle pollution advisory due to unhealthy PM2.5 levels detected by sensors.
Lineage, the facility’s operator, linked the fire to work by a third-party contractor on the roof’s solar panels. They have removed ammonia to mitigate risks and continue to monitor the situation.
Authorities warn that extinguishing the fire might take several days or weeks due to deep-seated smoldering pockets.
Residents noticing odors or air quality issues should report them to the South Coast AQMD at 1-800-CUT-SMOG or visit their website for current air quality conditions.