Firefighting crews have made significant progress in containing a blaze at a Boyle Heights warehouse that has been burning for over a week, with officials reporting the fire is now nearly extinguished after flames on the roof were put out overnight.
Los Angeles Fire Department officials stated on Wednesday that water-dropping helicopters are no longer required for the nearly 500,000-square-foot cold storage facility, operated by Lineage. Attention has shifted to extinguishing the smoldering fire contained within the structure, according to LAFD Captain Jacob Raabe.
Captain Raabe explained that firefighters are currently unable to enter the building due to safety concerns. The roof has collapsed onto extensive racks holding millions of pounds of burning food, creating a hazardous environment. Instead, crews are employing external water cannons to target the interior flames. Drones will be utilized to identify and address any remaining hot spots.
This incident highlights innovative strategies for combating similar fires. The LAFD partnered with a Texas-based company to deploy water cannons, typically used for oil rig fires. Additionally, firefighters have partially dismantled the building's walls to improve exterior access to the interior contents. This public-private collaboration has accelerated the extinguishment process, according to Raabe, contrasting with similar incidents that have taken significantly longer.
This fire follows a pattern of incidents at Lineage facilities. A similar blaze in Finley, Washington, in 2024 took eight weeks to extinguish. Lawsuits have been filed alleging past issues with hazardous chemical releases and safety protocols at Lineage sites, claims the company disputes, stating that health and safety are its top priorities.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District extended an air quality advisory through Wednesday due to lingering smoke, though pollution levels have shown improvement. While official monitors indicate a decrease in air quality index, residents experiencing smoke or ash are advised to take protective health measures.
