Boyle Heights Warehouse Fire Triggers Ammonia Leak and Air Quality Advisories
A massive fire at a Lineage Logistics warehouse in Boyle Heights caused an ammonia leak and several small explosions on Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. While a shelter-in-place order was issued for surrounding neighborhoods, the LAFD reported no injuries and the blaze was extinguished by Wednesday evening.
The fire ignited shortly after 2:30 p.m. at the nearly 500,000-square-foot cold storage and blast freezing facility located at 1400 S. Los Palos St. The Los Angeles Fire Department stated the blaze began on the roof’s solar panels before reaching an ammonia line, which led to off-gassing and subsequent explosions.
How did the ammonia leak affect the neighborhood?
The leak triggered a shelter-in-place order for an area extending from south of the 101 Freeway to Washington Boulevard, and from Soto Street east to Indiana Street. Residents were instructed to shut off air conditioning, close vents, and stay indoors until the order was lifted Wednesday night.
LAFD Fire Chief Jaime Moore stated the ammonia leak was not toxic unless individuals had respiratory issues or came into direct contact with the substance. However, the Environmental Protection Agency notes that anhydrous ammonia is a regulated toxic substance that is corrosive to the lungs, eyes, and skin, and high exposure can lead to burns, choking, and death.
What is the current air quality status?
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued an air quality advisory for portions of the San Gabriel Valley and areas east of downtown Los Angeles, effective until 10 a.m. Thursday. A separate smoke advisory urged the public in East Los Angeles to limit outdoor exercise.
According to the AQMD, a mobile air monitor recorded elevated levels of particulate matter near the fire on Wednesday afternoon, though these levels decreased as the smoke thinned. The AQMD reported that it did not find elevated levels of ammonia in the air on Wednesday.
What is the safety record of Lineage Logistics?
This is the second fire at the Boyle Heights warehouse in a short period. In August 2024, another fire broke out on the facility’s solar panels; the LAFD contained that blaze in 48 minutes with no injuries reported.
Lineage Logistics has also faced regulatory action regarding chemical safety. In 2023, the company paid a fine to the EPA over the management of more than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia at its facility in Altoona, Iowa. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the Wednesday blaze.
What may happen next?
Local authorities could conduct further investigations into the cause of the solar panel ignition to determine if equipment failure played a role. The South Coast AQMD may continue to analyze data from the mobile monitor to ensure particulate levels have returned to baseline.
Given the company’s 2023 EPA fine in Iowa and the previous August 2024 fire at the same site, regulators may review the Boyle Heights facility’s current compliance with anhydrous ammonia safety regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the warehouse fire originate?
According to the LAFD, the fire started on the solar-panel-covered roof of the facility at 1400 S. Los Palos St.
Were any people injured during the ammonia leak?
There were no reports of injuries.
What are the risks associated with anhydrous ammonia?
The EPA states the substance is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs, and high levels of exposure can cause burns, choking, and death.
How should industrial facilities balance the use of renewable energy, like solar panels, with the storage of hazardous chemicals?