A massive fire at a Lineage cold storage warehouse in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, has entered its second week with crews continuing efforts to extinguish the blaze while local businesses and residents cope with the ongoing disruptions and health concerns. Fire officials reported that while the fire is nearing full containment, significant challenges remain due to the building’s unstable structure and hazardous conditions inside.

The warehouse, which measures approximately 600 feet long and 50 feet tall, houses large racks of thawing and burning food, creating a persistent fire risk. Fire Capt. Jacob Raabe explained that the roof rests precariously on these racks, preventing firefighters from entering the building. “We still cannot send firefighters into this building, and, to be quite honest, we’re probably never going to send anyone into this building because there’s no life hazard right now,” Raabe said. Instead, crews are attacking the fire from the exterior and have used innovative tactics, including the deployment of water cannons borrowed from a Texas company. These cannons can deliver up to 8,000 gallons per minute from 400 feet away, exceeding the capacity of standard city equipment.

Following knockdown, plans call for demolishing half of the structure while monitoring debris for any flare-ups, a process that could take several months. Fire Capt. Milo Cope noted that with this public-private partnership, the fire has been brought under control faster than similar blazes in other jurisdictions. By comparison, a 2024 fire at another Lineage facility in Finley, Washington, took around eight weeks to extinguish.

The prolonged burning and resulting heavy smoke have severely impacted nearby communities, forcing many residents to seek refuge in government-run shelters. Local authorities issued a temporary air quality advisory, which was lifted recently, though experts warn that small ash particles and debris may not be fully captured by monitors. Health officials urge anyone noticing smoke or ash to take precautions.

Local businesses have reported significant drops in customer traffic and revenues. At Jim’s Burgers near the warehouse, owner Manuel Orozco said sales plunged by approximately 70% over the past week, attributing the decline to reduced foot traffic caused by smoke exposure. Workers with preexisting health issues, including asthma and high blood pressure, have been unable to work. Similarly, Manny Villasenor of MV Automotive and Cristina Medrano of Kassandra’s Beauty Salon reported curtailments in operating hours and cancellations due to the poor air quality.

Several restaurants in the area are also struggling. At Distrito Catorce near Mariachi Plaza, co-owners Armando Perez and Guillermo Piñon distributed masks to customers to mitigate exposure to toxic smoke drifting through Boyle Heights and neighboring districts. Perez described shifting wind patterns that initially kept smoke away but later brought chemical odors and reduced visibility, forcing staff schedule changes. Chef Raul Ortega of Mariscos Jalisco reported minimal impact thanks to wind direction but acknowledged the threat of temporary closure if conditions worsen.

Armando De La Torre Sr., co-owner of the local Guisados taqueria, noted that sales at his Boyle Heights location have dropped by at least 20%, compounded by ongoing street construction and concerns over smoke exposure. His employees wear masks during shifts when smoke irritates their throats. De La Torre described feeling helpless amid the uncertainty and appealed for community support of small businesses hit hard by the fire, inflation, and rising operational costs.

In response, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors ratified a local emergency declaration to accelerate access to state and federal resources. The board approved a motion to continue health monitoring, environmental assessments, and community assistance, while directing investigations into the incident and potential enforcement actions. Supervisors Hilda Solis and Janice Hahn urged consideration of establishing an emergency stockpile of air purifiers and essential supplies to prepare for future incidents. A feasibility study is expected within 30 days.

Lineage has stated that health and safety remain its top priorities and disputes allegations made in a lawsuit filed after the 2024 warehouse fire in Washington that criticized the company’s safety practices. The current incident has drawn renewed scrutiny of cold storage fire response strategies and the environmental and economic toll on surrounding neighborhoods. Despite the challenges, affected business owners remain hopeful for recovery once the fire is fully extinguished and normal conditions resume.