Boyle Heights Response & Recovery

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Response & Recovery Overview

Since a fire broke out on the roof of our Los Palos Street facility on June 17, our team has been focused on doing everything we can to contain the fire, support the community and help with cleanup and recovery efforts. This page provides updates on Lineage’s response, cleanup progress, air monitoring information, community resources, FAQs, and latest updates.

Read letter to the community from Lineage's President & CEO

For additional information about available resources and response efforts, please visit the city’s emergency management department page or the LA County Recovers page. City of Los Angeles residents can also contact 311 for assistance. 211 LA can help with County resources, including public health information and access to available emergency housing through Airbnb for all impacted residents. Lineage also donated $2 million to the California Community Foundation which was distributed to more than 20 organizations providing additional support; view the list here.

To contact Lineage directly, please email boyleheights@onelineage.com or use our community contact form.

Top Questions

  • Yes. Independent monitoring from Onterris as well as the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is running around the clock at multiple locations in and around Boyle Heights. Readings have consistently shown results within normal levels for the neighborhood and no harmful health impacts. Further, although there may be unpleasant and annoying odors associated with the decaying food products, the bad smell is not associated with any health risk. Air monitoring data is accessible on this page and on aqmd.gov. We want you to have the facts, not just our word.

  • Soon after the fire started, we pumped all the ammonia from our cooling systems and safely transported it off-site. No measurable ammonia has been detected in the community at any time since the fire started. We know some neighbors have also asked about methane and hydrogen sulfide — these chemicals are included in our air monitoring. To date, monitoring has not detected levels of these chemicals or particles that pose a health risk. Lastly, while odors that come from decomposing food are unpleasant, we want to confirm that allergens associated with any of these foods are not airborne or distributed as a result of organic decomposition — meaning those with allergies to certain foods are not at greater risk during this period.

  • We have not seen any flareups within the debris since the July 4 weekend. That allowed us to begin deconstruction at the site on July 7. 

    Lineage worked closely with the Los Angeles Fire Department and other agencies to support their efforts to fight the fire and protect the community. To augment their brave and tireless efforts, we leveraged our network to source high-powered water cannons from Texas, funded helicopters to continue water drops, and partnered with other industrial companies to secure additional equipment to speed up fire suppression efforts. 

  • We understand the frustration and share the community’s desire to see the cleanup completed as quickly as possible. From the beginning, our focus has been on moving as fast as we can while making sure the work is done safely and done the right way.


    Cleanup crews are working around the clock to remove food waste, clear debris and dismantle damaged sections of the structure. However, this is a highly complex operation. The warehouse contained approximately 88 million pounds of food, and the fire damaged parts of the structure, making it much more difficult to safely access and remove food debris from much of the building.


    To support the cleanup, we have brought in specialized contractors and equipment from across the country. Much of this equipment was not originally designed for conditions like these, so teams have had to continually adapt their approach as site conditions change.
    Throughout the process, we have been evaluating new strategies, adjusting operations when needed and looking for ways to improve efficiency while reducing impacts on the surrounding community.


    The work is also being carried out under strict safety and environmental requirements and in coordination with local, county, state, and federal agencies. While we are doing everything we can to move quickly, not every aspect of the cleanup is solely within our control. Some activities require agency coordination, approvals, or direction, which can impact the pace of progress. We have also worked to address questions, concerns, and requests from public officials, community groups, and residents throughout the process.


    Senior company leaders are actively involved every day, helping identify and remove barriers that could slow progress. As many of the initial obstacles have been addressed, food removal and overall cleanup efforts are continuing to gain momentum.


    We know everyone wants this site cleaned up as soon as possible. So do we. The Lineage team remains committed to moving the work forward as safely, responsibly and as quickly we can.

  • Reducing odors is a key priority during the cleanup effort. Lineage has already put several odor-control measures in place and is continuing to work with South Coast AQMD to identify additional solutions to reduce odors where possible.


    Current efforts include:
    •    Fixed odor-control spray systems are installed around the building to deodorize the air and odorous material around the site, as well as a tracked robotic spray system.
    •    Odor neutralizer is being applied to waste materials multiple times each day.
    •    Portions of the building are wrapped to help keep odors contained 
    •    Air scrubbers that pull air through carbon filters to help absorb odors are installed on parts of the facility, with more on the way.
    •    Daily cleaning of runoff collection areas, loading zones and drains.
    •    The roll-off bins into which food waste is loaded are sealed immediately once full. These sealed bins then leave as soon as possible. Bins may be staged on site depending on truck route availability; however, they are removed as soon as there is a truck able to do so.
    •    Once trucks are loaded, they promptly leave the facility in accord with approved truck routes. 
     

    Lineage is also continuously monitoring air quality and sharing air-monitoring data with both local regulators and the public. 
     

    We are working as fast as we safely can to get food debris out of the building, and we understand the importance of reducing odors and minimizing impacts on the surrounding community while this essential cleanup work continues at pace. Second only to safety, removing product has been and continues to be our top priority.
     

  • Lineage has expanded its pest-control efforts with support from Orkin to help reduce fly and rodent activity around the site and minimize impacts on nearby residents and businesses.


    Some of the steps currently in place include:
    •    Daily fly-control treatments, with additional service added if needed.
    •    Daily inspections of the property perimeter for signs of rodent activity.
    •    Rodent-control devices installed around the site in strategic locations.
    •    Up to 248 exterior fly-control devices installed, including bait stations and fly traps, to help reduce fly populations.
    •    Targeted fly treatments around dumpsters, loading areas, drainage areas, fence lines, and other locations where flies are most active.
    •    Ongoing monitoring to track pest activity and adjust control measures as needed.
    •    Sanitation and cleanup efforts to remove materials and conditions that can attract pests or create breeding areas.
     

    In response to feedback from families in nearby homes, Lineage has also distributed approximately 350 fly traps to community members and will be providing a further 800 additional traps through its ongoing neighborhood outreach efforts over the next week.
     

    As we move forward, we will continue monitoring conditions, listening to our neighbors’ concerns and adjusting our pest-control efforts as cleanup work progresses.
     

  • We want to be clear that we do not believe this fire was caused by our operations or our team. We believe the fire started on the roof when a contractor of the owner of the solar array, Altus Power, was testing the array. Regardless of how the fire started, Lineage has been on the front lines since day one, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to execute a safe and swift remediation effort.

Cleanup Progress

Big Bear facility before the fire

Big Bear Pre-Fire

Post-fire cleanup progress on July 5

Post-Fire July 5

Deconstruction begins on July 7

Deconstruction Begins - July 7

Cleanup progress on July 13

July 13

Cleanup progress on July 18

July 18

Cleanup progress on July 24

July 24

Boyle Heights fire response cleanup progress trackerBoyle Heights fire response cleanup progress tracker continued

Latest Updates from Lineage

  • We are working around the clock on odor control, pest control and the removal of food waste and we will not stop until the site is clean and the community can move forward. Cleaning up a site with this much food waste is an enormous undertaking and we understand why regulators are watching closely — we would expect nothing less. As more waste is removed and our cleanup efforts progress, we expect conditions to continue to improve. The citations simply reflect the reality of what we’re dealing with not a lack of urgency or commitment on our part. In the full interest of transparency, we are sharing our response to public health officials which was submitted earlier this week. We are moving as fast and safely as we can and doing everything we can for this community until the cleanup is finished.

  • Lineage Update on AQMD/Odor Control

    Los Angeles, Calif., July 22, 2026 — Lineage last evening submitted its official response regarding odor mitigation efforts to AQMD per the deadline set by the agency.

    Most of the measures proposed by AQMD had already been implemented or are in process. Lineage is in active discussions with AQMD to implement all reasonable and effective mitigation efforts throughout the cleanup process. 

    Lineage’s odor control steps include:

    • Building is surrounded by odor control sprayers
    • Lineage is applying odor neutralizer to the waste multiple times per day
    • The building is wrapped where possible to contain odor
    • Carbon filters are attached to portions of the building to mitigate emissions, with additional units expected to be installed
    • Daily washing of areas with runoff and loading areas, and emptying and washing of drains used to collect runoff
    • Food waste is being transported in sealed containers meeting federal requirements
    • Truck tires are washed before they leave the property
    • Loaded trucks are immediately sealed and no loaded trucks remain on the property for more than 12 hours

    Detailed air monitoring information and an interactive map is available at: https://www.onelineage.com/boyle-heights-fire-response/air-monitoring-data

    “Lineage is committed to the fastest and safest cleanup possible, including aggressive efforts to reduce odors and monitor air quality throughout the process” said Alex Rodriguez, Vice President of Operations at Lineage. “We are committed to working closely with South Coast AQMD to address concerns and mitigate the impact of the warehouse fire on the surrounding community.”

  • Lineage Commits Direct Relief to Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles Residents as Cleanup Accelerates

    More than $2.5 million already deployed, Lineage expands support to reach impacted residents living closest to the warehouse site

    Los Angeles, Calif., July 9, 2026 — Lineage, Inc. today announced expanded commitments to the Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles community as part of the Company's ongoing response to the Los Palos fire.

    After listening directly to residents, community organizations and city officials, Lineage is expanding its support beyond its initial $2.5 million contributions. These new commitments include the following support for residents living closest to the warehouse site:

    • Housing Vouchers: Partnering with a local non-profit, Lineage will provide short-term hotel and rental assistance to residents who choose to temporarily relocate during the cleanup and remediation process.
    • Air Purifiers, Air Conditioners and Masks: We will deliver air purifiers, air conditioners and masks directly to the residents who need and want them.
    • Grocery Vouchers: Lineage will share these to be redeemable at Food4Less on Olympic Boulevard.
    • Cash Assistance: Residents can receive direct assistance through pre-paid cards.
    • Utility Support: Supporting residents’ utility bills through LADWP.

    “We recognize the profound impact this fire has had on our neighbors in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles,” said Jeff Rivera, Chief Operating Officer, who is leading on-the-ground response operations for Lineage. “Our expanded support today is the direct result of listening to nearby residents and community leaders and acting on what we have heard. We have been here throughout this situation, we will continue to be here, and we will keep listening, for as long as this recovery requires.”

    “The people living and working in the community deserve timely results and meaningful support,” added Greg Lehmkuhl, Chief Executive Officer of Lineage. “Over the last several days, we have been meeting with local elected officials and engaging community organizations and leaders to understand how we can best help our neighbors. At the same time, debris removal is underway and cleanup is progressing. Right now, our top priority is simple: get this site cleaned up as quickly and safely as possible.”

    To date, Lineage's community support has included approximately $2.5 million committed in direct assistance, distributed across 26 community-based organizations. More than 600 air purifiers and 2,000 masks have been delivered to residents, and 7,000 meals have been distributed in partnership with the LA Regional Food Bank across four food truck locations serving the neighborhood. Lineage is also deploying a dedicated neighborhood outreach team to listen, share information and resources, and gather feedback directly from residents.

    Information will be shared with residents of the neighborhood on how to access resources from Lineage.

    Debris removal officially commenced on July 6, and meaningful progress is underway across the site.

    In addition to core debris removal, Lineage has wrapped portions of the building with a temporary enclosure barrier to help contain debris, reduce odors and dampen noise for neighboring residents. Misting systems are operating continuously around the building exterior to further reduce smells. Cleanup crews remain on site around the clock.

    A formal phased removal schedule — targeting completion within 45 days — is being finalized for submission to the City.

    Lineage is committed to providing regular cleanup updates to the community through its website, social media, door-to-door outreach, printed flyers and ongoing community meetings. For the latest information, cleanup progress updates and community resources, please visit: onelineage.com/lospalos.

    Media Contact
    Megan Hendricksen
    VP, Global Marketing & Communications
    pr@onelineage.com
  • We were pleased to meet with city officials and community leaders today, the latest in our ongoing effort to listen and engage with the Boyle Heights and East LA community. Nothing matters more right now than completing demolition and cleanup as quickly and safely as possible to protect the health and safety of Boyle Heights and East LA. We are working urgently to remove fire-impacted food and debris and are committed to this community every step of the way. We will have an update on next steps in the coming days.

  • View all archived updates

Air Monitoring Update

Lineage is sharing preliminary air monitoring data in connection with the Boyle Heights warehouse fire response. The full air monitoring page includes the latest update, detailed data table, and location-based monitoring maps.

View Air Monitoring Information

Further Questions & Answers

  • The cause of the fire has not been determined. We are the tenant-operator of the warehouse building and lease the roof to a third-party solar company, which is responsible for operating and maintaining the array. We believe the fire originated on the roof on Wednesday while the company's subcontractors were servicing the solar array. We are working closely with local officials to assist in all investigations and remediations of the fire and will continue to do so as we continue with cleanup and waste removal.
  • We can confirm that no measurable ammonia concentrations have been recorded in the community since the fire began. We also proactively took steps to pump out the ammonia and transport it offsite, removing the possibility of ammonia posing a risk to the community.

  • Lineage has consistently supported the community throughout the emergency response and subsequent cleanup and recovery efforts. 

    Early on, we were encouraged by local officials to contribute to the California Community Foundation to unlock immediate relief and support to area residents. Accordingly, Lineage donated $2 million to the California Community Foundation which was then distributed to more than 20 organizations providing additional support; view the list here. These groups were funded to provide: air purifiers and PPE, food and household supplies, medical and mental health services, housing assistance, cash assistance, small business support and community outreach. 

    In addition, during those initial weeks, our team directly distributed a further 7,000 meals via the LA Regional Food Bank, over 3,500 meals via food trucks, over 7,000 cases of water and funded food transportation costs for 4 local food pantries. Our team also supplied over 2,000 masks and 600 air purifiers.

    Since then, we have conducted an intentional and systematic program of door-to-door outreach to the households located nearest our facility to offer those families support in the form of: vouchers for short-term housing, grocery vouchers, air purifiers, air conditioning units, and masks. We are also currently working through utility bill support with LADWP and SoCal Edison, as well as a direct cash assistance program to this same group. Residents are eligible for varying levels of support based on their proximity to the facility. 

    Lineage is continuing to explore ways to provide immediate relief while helping lay the foundation for a strong recovery. At the top of our priority list is the ongoing cleanup effort, including removing all food debris from the community as quickly and safely as possible.

  • Lineage provides temperature-controlled warehousing and supply chain solutions for the storage, handling, and movement of food and other temperature-sensitive products. We serve thousands of customers including some of the world’s largest food and beverage producers, retailers, and distributors to help feed the world.

  • To be clear, we do not store hazardous chemicals or products in this facility. We store food. Frozen food products are kept in buildings like ours before being sent to grocery stores and restaurants throughout the community.

    Our warehouse is like a huge version of the freezer in your home. And, like the freezer in your home, our facility requires a basic chemical reaction to reduce the temperature. 

    Ammonia is the chemical that allows us to cool our building. 

    Ammonia is the dominant refrigerant in the cold storage industry—with industry reports estimating it in use at over 90% of refrigerated warehousing facilities in the United States 

    Ammonia is naturally occurring and is considered the more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to other synthetic refrigerants, which generate potent greenhouse gases. Ammonia has been assessed as having zero global warming potential (GWP)—in other words, ammonia does not contribute to the greenhouse effect responsible for global warming.

  • Cold storage is a critical part of the global food supply chain. Maintaining the proper temperature helps protect food quality and safety, reduce waste, and enables products to move efficiently from producers and importers to the communities they feed. Although they operate behind the scenes, cold storage facilities play an important role in helping keep food moving safely from where it’s grown or produced to grocery stores, restaurants, and communities. 

  • The facility supports a variety of roles that help keep food moving on its journey to your table, including warehouse operations, logistics and transportation coordination, maintenance, customer support, and administrative functions. 

    We are grateful to report that all employees were safely evacuated and no injuries have been reported. The safety of our employees, partners and surrounding community remains our highest priority.

    We are supporting team members impacted by providing resources through our Employee Assistance Program and having them report to other buildings in our network where possible. 

  • The Big Bear facility located in Boyle Heights is part of Lineage's Southern California network, which helps support the movement of temperature-controlled products through one of the nation's most important trade gateways. Located near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the facility is part of a network that helps connect food products to 10M people in communities throughout Southern California and beyond. 

  • Southern California is home to the largest import hub in the U.S. Products like seafood, pork, beef, and poultry from major markets around the globe travel through here for regional distribution for West Coast grocery stores, restaurants, and more. Facilities like Big Bear help maintain the cold chain by keeping temperature-sensitive products at the proper temperature as they move through the food supply chain. From arrival at port to their next destination, these facilities help ensure products are handled safely and efficiently while preserving quality and freshness. 

  • We know the smell is upsetting, and reducing odors is a key priority during the cleanup effort. Lineage has already put several odor-control measures in place and is continuing to work with South Coast AQMD to identify additional solutions to reduce odors where possible. Please see above for more details about the steps we are taking to control odors.

    Using an air purifier in your home and wearing a mask while outside can help with the odor. Masks and air purifiers are available at no charge to residents through multiple city and county agencies. We have compiled a list of resources for your convenience:


    In addition, Lineage is providing direct assistance to residents living closest to the site. If you are located between Los Palos Street and S Herbert Ave., and between I-5 and Union Pacific Ave., you can request an air purifier and masks from our Community Outreach team.

    How to get them: Fill out this form with your name and information and we will happily deliver masks and purifiers to neighborhood residents.

Our Commitment

We will continue to communicate openly, share facts as they are confirmed, and provide regular updates as the situation evolves. Our commitment to this community does not end here, and we will continue to work with officials to support the cleanup in any way we can.

Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring official local channels including LAFD Alerts and South Coast Air Quality Management District to stay aware.

Contact Our Team