Company's safety record questioned after massive L.A. warehouse fire

A CBS News investigation has revealed a pattern of fires at properties owned by Lineage, one of the world's largest cold storage companies, raising questions about its safety record. Federal records show at least 63 fires of varying severity occurred at Lineage-run properties globally in the past decade.

This scrutiny intensified after a massive fire on June 17 at a Lineage food storage warehouse in Los Angeles' Boyle Heights neighborhood. Residents in the area report ongoing issues with lingering odors, pests, and concerns about potential exposure to pollutants. "I feel that leadership at all levels, from Lineage to the city, to the state, even the federal government, has failed us," one resident stated at a community town hall.

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I feel that leadership at all levels, from Lineage to the city, to the state, even the federal government, has failed us.

Lineage was leasing and operating the Boyle Heights warehouse, owned by Chill Build LLC. In a statement, Lineage said it is working on odor and pest control and food waste removal, expecting conditions to improve. Several Boyle Heights residents have filed lawsuits against Lineage, Chill Build LLC, and rooftop solar companies, alleging negligence in the facility's operation and maintenance led to a preventable fire that exposed them to toxic smoke and hazardous pollutants.

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responsible for all aspects of maintaining and repairing the facility

Chill Build told The LA Local that while it spent millions on fire response, Lineage is "responsible for all aspects of maintaining and repairing the facility" and "in charge of the recovery efforts." Lineage suggested the fire began on the roof while a contractor for Altus Power, the owner of the rooftop solar array, was working on the system. Altus Power stated the cause of the fire is undetermined and they are cooperating with the investigation.

The June 17 fire burned for over a week, becoming one of Los Angeles' largest industrial fires and leaving an estimated 85 million pounds of spoiled food. Environmental health experts note that such incidents in urban areas raise significant concerns beyond immediate damage, impacting businesses and homes across the street.

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in charge of the recovery efforts