L.A. firefighters work to contain Boyle Heights cold-storage blaze as air quality remains poor

Firefighters have been fighting a cold-storage warehouse fire in Boyle Heights for a fifth consecutive day, and Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jaime Moore said progress suggests the blaze could be fully extinguished by the end of the week. A department spokesperson noted that removal of exterior walls has improved access, but the building’s collapsed roof supports create “complex and unstable conditions that require a cautious and methodical approach.”

"Firefighters are operating with a strong emphasis on safety and are closely monitoring potential structural failure hazards," spokesperson Jamie Stewart said. "Smoke conditions have improved significantly and are expected to continue improving as firefighters make progress extinguishing the fire."

Despite the improvement, Stewart warned that smoke levels could rise intermittently as crews work in concealed interior spaces. The South Coast Air Quality Management District’s particle-pollution advisory remains in effect through Monday noon, with monitoring indicating air quality ranging from “unhealthy for sensitive groups” to “very unhealthy” across Los Angeles County, the San Gabriel Valley and northwest San Bernardino Valley.

Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Saturday, unlocking additional resources. Moore said the declaration allows the request for 12 extra fire engines and six additional trucks. The city also imposed new road closures and traffic restrictions around the 1400 block of South Los Palos Street to keep the area clear for emergency responders.

The 500,000-square-foot facility, owned by Lineage Logistics, has remained at a 45-degree tilt, reducing the risk of a biohazard from spoiling food, according to Moore. The company has pledged $2 million to assist affected residents and businesses. Local officials, including Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, emphasized that the community should not bear the cleanup burden alone.

Residents and nearby businesses report ongoing smoke exposure. A coffee-shop manager described the odor as “like chemicals and plastic,” noting a decline in customer traffic. At a city-run smoke-relief center, families expressed difficulty obtaining air purifiers and concerns for vulnerable members with asthma, epilepsy and cancer. Toxicologist Michael Kleinman warned that inhalation symptoms such as throat irritation or watery eyes could signal more serious reactions, and highlighted the unprecedented nature of potential biohazard from spoiling food.

Meteorologist Robbie Munroe explained that shifting light winds in the Los Angeles basin can carry smoke from Boyle Heights toward downtown, Glendale, West Hollywood and even as far as Simi Valley, depending on the time of day.