Los Angeles declares state of emergency as firefighters battle warehouse blaze

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has declared a state of emergency as firefighters continue to battle a stubborn blaze at a cold-storage facility in Boyle Heights. The fire, which ignited on June 17, has blanketed the metro area in smoke for days, forcing residents to shelter in place and raising concerns about health and well-being.

"This emergency declaration is crucial because Boyle Heights is not just responding to a fire. Residents have lived through days of smoke, shelter-in-place orders, disruptions to daily life, and ongoing questions about what this means for their health and well-being," said Councilmember Ysabel Jurado. The declaration formally requests Governor Gavin Newsom to expedite state relief and provide aid under the California Disaster Assistance Act.

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This emergency declaration is crucial because Boyle Heights is not just responding to a fire. Residents have lived through days of smoke, shelter-in-place orders, disruptions to daily life, and ongoing questions about what this means for their health and well-being.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the rooftop fire, but dangers within the 500,000-square-foot facility have complicated containment efforts. An ammonia line rupture during the initial response made the blaze more hazardous, as ammonia is a highly flammable refrigerant that emits toxic fumes. Fire crews were forced to retreat and employ aerial water drops.

Smoke relief centers have been established by the city and county to assist families affected by the air pollution. Officials are also preparing to address the biohazard risks posed by an estimated 85 million pounds of spoiled food, including bread, poultry, pork, and beef, once the fire is fully extinguished.

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The city and county have opened spaces for families seeking relief from the smoke, and we will continue working around the clock and doing everything possible to put this fire out completely.