BOYLE HEIGHTS, Calif. — More than two months after a fire erupted at a cold-storage warehouse, residents in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles say they are still dealing with the aftermath.
The warehouse, operated by Lineage, caught fire on June 17, sending smoke into surrounding communities. Residents say the problems did not end when the flames were brought under control.
According to community groups, people living near the warehouse were first exposed to smoke from the fire and later faced weeks of foul odors caused by millions of pounds of food left to rot inside the facility.
Now, residents and community organizations are preparing to take the matter to federal court.
On Friday, three community groups filed a 60-day notice of intent to sue Lineage, accusing the company of failing to fully disclose chemicals released into the air during the fire and alleging that the smoke contributed to serious health problems in nearby communities.
Health Concerns Grow After Warehouse Fire
The potential lawsuit comes as local health providers report concerning conditions among people who sought medical care after the fire.
A report released by St. John’s Community Health, a mobile health care clinic provider, said more than 1,000 patients were treated in the area surrounding the warehouse after the fire began.
Of those patients, approximately 36% reportedly had serious acute health conditions connected to smoke exposure, according to the report.
The findings have added to concerns among residents who say the effects of the fire reached far beyond the warehouse property.
For people living nearby, the combination of smoke exposure and lingering odors has created a prolonged health and quality-of-life concern.
Community groups say residents should not have to remain in homes while questions about what was released into the surrounding environment remain unresolved.
Community Groups Demand Answers From Lineage
The organizations behind the legal action say their goal is different from lawsuits seeking financial compensation.
In a statement, the groups said they want a federal judge to force Lineage to disclose what was released into the air and take steps to protect people living near the warehouse.
The groups said, “Other lawsuits over this fire ask for money for harm already done. Nobody gets a check out of this one.”
They added that they are asking a federal judge to “make it stop,” require Lineage to publicly disclose what it put into the air and get residents out of nearby homes until it is safe to return.
The groups have given the company 60 days to take the requested steps. If Lineage does not do so, they say they will proceed with the federal lawsuit after October 27.
Lineage Disputes Ongoing Ammonia Concerns
The legal threat also focuses attention on questions surrounding chemicals at the warehouse.
NBC Los Angeles previously reported that Lineage acknowledged ammonia was present at the facility during the fire. However, the company said the chemical was successfully removed from the property.
Lineage has also said that testing conducted since the fire showed no detectable concentrations of ammonia in the air.
That position contrasts with the concerns raised by community organizations, which argue that residents deserve a complete accounting of the chemicals released during the fire and stronger assurances about their safety.
The dispute now appears headed toward a federal legal battle unless the parties reach an agreement during the 60-day period.
Lawsuit Could Bring New Scrutiny to Warehouse Fire
The planned lawsuit could place renewed attention on the June warehouse fire and its impact on Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles.
Residents say they have already endured smoke, health concerns and the lingering smell of decomposing food, while community groups are demanding more transparency from the warehouse operator.
For now, the groups say they are giving Lineage 60 days to respond to their demands.
If no resolution is reached, the organizations say they will move forward with their federal lawsuit after October 27, potentially putting the company’s handling of the fire and its aftermath under further scrutiny.
Do you think warehouse operators should be required to fully disclose chemicals released during major fires? Share your thoughts in the comments.