A massive fire at a 500,000-square-foot cold-food storage warehouse in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, has been burning for six days, blanketing parts of the city in smoke and prompting health warnings. The blaze, first reported Wednesday around 2:30 p.m., has led to shelter-in-place orders and a state of emergency declaration over the weekend.
Smoke and Air Quality Impact
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) extended its particle pollution advisory into Monday morning, citing "very unhealthy" air quality levels in central Los Angeles County, San Gabriel Valley, East San Fernando Valley, and Northwest San Bernardino Valley. Smoke was predicted to affect areas north and east of the fire until Monday.
Residents were advised to stay indoors, close windows, and use air purifiers or air conditioning to limit exposure. Ysabel Jurado, the council member representing Boyle Heights, emphasized the need for urgent government resources for emergency response, air monitoring, and public health protections.
Community Impact
Families near the fire, such as the Campos family, reported health concerns, including asthma, epilepsy, and cancer, making it difficult to stay in their homes. Ashley Campos, 18, said her family struggled to find an affordable or available air purifier, forcing them to evacuate. Meanwhile, Wil Blake, a downtown L.A. resident, described waking up to soot and smoke reminiscent of past wildfires.
Firefighting Progress
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported significant progress in battling the fire on Sunday, though full containment remains unclear. Erratic winds have caused smoke to shift across the region, complicating containment efforts.
Government Response
Local officials have set up a smoke relief center at Pecan Recreation Center to assist affected residents. Jurado pledged to push for hazardous debris removal, environmental remediation, and public health protections to address the ongoing crisis.