A massive industrial fire that blanketed parts of Los Angeles in smoke this past June is now the subject of intense scrutiny, as a investigation reveals the incident is part of a broader pattern of fires at properties tied to Lineage, one of the world’s largest cold storage operators.
Federal data indicates that over the last decade, at least 63 fires of varying intensity have occurred at facilities managed by Lineage, which oversees a global network of temperature-controlled warehouses. While the company acknowledges 34 building fires, including a blaze in Finley, Washington, that burned for nearly two months, the June 17 incident in the Boyle Heights neighborhood has brought renewed attention to its safety practices.
Residents in Boyle Heights continue to report lingering odors, pest infestations, and deep uncertainty regarding potential pollutant exposure. During a tense community town hall last month, one resident expressed widespread frustration, stating, “I feel that leadership at all levels — from Lineage to the city, to the state, even the federal government — has failed us.”
Lineage was the operator of the warehouse, which is owned by Chill Build LLC. In a formal statement, Lineage emphasized that it is working around the clock on pest control, odor mitigation, and the removal of food waste, expressing confidence that conditions will improve as cleanup efforts continue. The company further asserted that it has consistently supported the community throughout the emergency response and recovery phases.
The June 17 fire, which burned for more than a week, resulted in an estimated 85 million pounds of spoiled food and stands as one of the most significant industrial fires in recent Los Angeles history. Several local residents have initiated lawsuits against Lineage and other parties, including Chill Build LLC, contractors, and solar companies, alleging that a failure to maintain the facility safely led to a preventable disaster that exposed the neighborhood to toxic smoke.
Chill Build LLC informed the news outlet The LA Local that it invested millions into the fire response, but maintained that Lineage remains “responsible for all aspects of maintaining and repairing the facility” and is “in charge of the recovery efforts.” Lineage contends that the fire originated on the roof while a contractor for Altus Power, the solar array owner, was performing maintenance. Altus Power stated that the cause of the fire remains under investigation and that they are cooperating with authorities.
Dr. Jill Johnston, an environmental health scientist at the University of California, Irvine, noted that the incident represents a significant industrial disaster for an urban area. “I think what we’re seeing is really an unprecedented challenge, at least here, in both understanding and containing all the toxins that are still inside,” Johnston said, adding that the fire exacerbates existing health burdens related to air quality.
While Lineage claims its safety performance “outperformed the industry average” and that it employs over 200 personnel dedicated to engineering and compliance, government watchdog data from Good Jobs First shows the company has faced over $4.5 million in penalties since 2014 for workplace safety and environmental violations. These include incidents involving hazardous chemical releases, such as a 2020 ammonia leak in Statesville, North Carolina, that resulted in a worker’s death.
Experts highlight that cold storage facilities pose unique risks due to their reliance on anhydrous ammonia refrigeration. “What they use for cooling are very toxic chemicals,” Johnston explained. “They can explode. If something goes wrong, these facilities have the potential to release massive amounts of toxic chemicals.”
Regarding the Boyle Heights site, Lineage stated it removed ammonia shortly after the fire began and that no measurable levels were detected in the community. However, Johnston pointed to air quality data from July showing ammonia levels near the warehouse were more than 10 times higher than in other Los Angeles neighborhoods, even a month after the fire was extinguished.
The Environmental Protection Agency intervened on July 31, sending a letter to Lineage demanding comprehensive information regarding the company’s safety compliance and any releases of hazardous substances during the blaze. Lineage maintains that it will “always strive for excellence” in safety standards.
In Finley, Washington, residents filed a class action lawsuit in April alleging that pollution from a previous fire contaminated local air and water, contributing to illnesses and two deaths. Lineage has stated it “vigorously disputes” the characterization of its safety record presented in that litigation.
Federal records show that in the past decade there have been at least 63 fires of varying severity at properties run by Lineage, a company that operates temperature-controlled warehouses around the globe.
“When a fire burns right across the street from businesses and homes, it’s up there among significant industrial disasters in urban areas,” said Dr.
“It really adds to a burden that already exists around air toxics and health impacts.”
Environmental health experts say the incident raises concerns that extend well beyond the lingering smell.
Lineage operates more than 500 temperature-controlled warehouses worldwide and says on its website that safety is its “number one value,” describing it as part of the company’s DNA.
A investigation identified at least 63 fires in and around Lineage facilities since 2016 involving the company’s buildings, vehicles or trash on its sites.
The company acknowledged 34 building fires — including fires in Finley, Washington; Pasadena, Texas; Everett, Massachusetts; and a previous fire at the same Boyle Heights warehouse in 2024.
The figures come from a national database that about 70% of U.S.
Unlike many industrial facilities located far from neighborhoods, cold storage warehouses are often built close to homes, schools and businesses to speed up food distribution.
It added that it will “always strive for excellence” when it comes to safety, and that it has “a team of over 200 dedicated engineering, maintenance, safety, and compliance personnel focused on meeting that standard.”
