LA Investigates Unpermitted Construction After Massive Warehouse Fire

Los Angeles building inspectors have initiated an investigation into potential unpermitted construction at a massive cold storage warehouse in Boyle Heights. The probe began on June 17, the same day a significant fire erupted across dozens of solar panels on the warehouse's roof, triggering a shelter-in-place order and a state of emergency declaration.

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When this new fire happened, people who had done that inspection felt it was déjà vu.

The stubborn blaze took eight days to extinguish, creating a health hazard emergency for the surrounding community. This incident follows a smaller fire on the same roof in August 2024. A source close to the Los Angeles Fire Department indicated that concerns about the solar panels' safety had surfaced after that earlier blaze, which was quickly put out by firefighters.

Despite the 2024 fire causing approximately $6 million in damage to the logistics company Lineage, city records reveal no permits were obtained for repairs. This lack of documentation has led to a sense of "déjà vu" among those who inspected the roof previously, with questions arising about whether lessons from the initial fire were heeded.

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We believe the fire started on the roof when the owner of the solar array, Altus Power, was doing tests.

Lineage, the company operating the warehouse, stated they "believe the fire started on the roof when the owner of the solar array, Altus Power, was doing tests." Altus Power, in turn, identified itself as the owner responsible for the array's design, installation, operation, maintenance, and repair. However, citing the ongoing nature of the matter and potential litigation, Altus declined to comment on whether permits were required or obtained for the 2024 repairs. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety is reportedly investigating a claim of "construction done without permits or inspections" at the warehouse.

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Due to the ongoing nature of this matter, including potential litigation, we are unable to comment on it at this time.