Solis Cites Environmental Justice Concerns Amid Boyle Heights Cold Storage Fire

Solis receives a briefing from fire officials as firefighters battle the Boyle Heights fire in the background (Photo – Office of Sup. Solis)

Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis issued a statement regarding the ongoing fire at the Lineage Logistics cold storage facility in Boyle Heights, emphasizing public safety efforts and raising concerns about the concentration of industrial facilities in nearby communities.

By News Desk

Although the fire is within the City of Los Angeles, Solis noted that its effects are being felt in neighboring unincorporated East Los Angeles, which falls under County jurisdiction due to the facility’s proximity to the community.

Solis thanked firefighters, emergency personnel, and first responders for their efforts to contain the blaze and protect residents and businesses.

“First, I want to thank the firefighters, emergency personnel, and first responders who have been working tirelessly under difficult and dangerous conditions to contain this fire and protect nearby residents and businesses,” Solis said.

The supervisor said the incident highlights longstanding environmental justice concerns affecting communities such as Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles, and Southeast Los Angeles, which have historically experienced a disproportionate concentration of industrial facilities and warehouse operations.

“Residents deserve confidence that the air they breathe and the neighborhoods they call home are safe,” Solis said.

According to Solis, County staff were deployed to areas affected by the smoke advisory to distribute masks and provide residents with information from the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health regarding safety precautions and available resources.

As firefighting operations continue, Solis directed the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management to open a shelter at City Terrace Park for residents seeking an alternative location. The shelter is expected to open within approximately two hours. Residents can obtain information about shelter services and transportation assistance through AlertLA.org.

Fire officials reported that fire activity increased as the marine inversion layer lifted, allowing smoke to disperse higher into the atmosphere rather than remain concentrated near the ground. Officials said continuous air monitoring is underway and that all readings have remained within safe levels.

Authorities have advised that no additional protective actions or shelter-in-place orders are necessary at this time. However, emergency personnel are developing contingency plans should conditions change.

According to fire officials, ammonia and battery materials previously stored at the facility had already been removed before the incident, and the event is currently being treated as a structure fire.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District is deploying two high-grade particulate matter monitoring stations at nearby schools to provide additional real-time air quality data. Officials said the information will help inform residents and guide any future public health recommendations.

Solis said her office will continue coordinating with fire officials, air quality regulators, public health agencies, and other partners to determine the cause of the fire, assess impacts on surrounding communities, and ensure residents and businesses receive timely information and resources.

“Our communities deserve transparency, accountability, and investments that prioritize public health and environmental justice,” Solis said.