Shelter-in-Place Order Issued in Boyle Heights Amid Firefighting Efforts at Cold-Storage Facility

On Wednesday, June 17, the Los Angeles Fire Department issued a shelter-in-place order for residents of Boyle Heights as firefighters battled a blaze at a cold-storage facility.

The fire was reported at approximately 2:35 p.m. at a commercial building located in the 1400 block of South Los Palos Street. First-arriving crews observed flames showing through the roof of a 1,000-foot-by-500-foot single-story commercial building.

As of 7:30 p.m., firefighters had successfully extinguished the visible flames on the roof, but had yet to declare the blaze fully extinguished, as crews continued to assess the building's interior for remaining fire and other hazards.

The shelter-in-place order, issued due to hazardous materials concerns and heavy smoke, instructed residents to immediately take refuge indoors, close all windows and doors, and switch off air conditioning and heating systems until further notice. The affected area covered by the order includes a zone bounded by Soto Street and Indiana Street, extending from the 10 Freeway south to Washington Boulevard.

A concurrent smoke advisory was issued for a broader region of East Los Angeles, advising residents to reduce outdoor activities and for sensitive individuals to remain indoors. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a particle pollution advisory, warning that smoke from the fire could continue to impact air quality in Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles, Montebello, and downtown Los Angeles.

LAFD Chief Jaime Moore highlighted the compromised ammonia line within the facility, leading to off-gassing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to ammonia may cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as respiratory issues, depending on concentration and duration of exposure.

Chief Moore emphasized that ammonia is non-toxic to individuals, unless they suffer from respiratory issues or are directly exposed to the chemical. The cold-storage facility, owned by Lineage Logistics, provides warehousing and logistics services for imported and exported goods, with its nearly 500,000-square-foot warehouse offering refrigerated storage and transportation support.

Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries, and officials had not disclosed further information regarding the fire's cause.

'We understand how frightening it can be to witness heavy smoke in your neighborhood, particularly for families, workers, small businesses, and commuters,' Los Angeles City Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado said in a statement. 'Right now, the most important thing is to follow the shelter-in-place order that has been issued due to the smoke.'

The shelter-in-place order serves as a testament to the Los Angeles Fire Department's commitment to public safety and their thorough response to emergencies. As the investigation into the fire's cause proceeds, residents can take comfort in knowing that necessary precautions are being taken to ensure their well-being.