Boyle Heights residents grapple with foul odors and pest infestations after warehouse fire
A month after a fire at the Lineage cold-storage facility, residents of Boyle Heights report persistent stench, flies and rats, while officials debate evacuation and cleanup measures.
Residents of Boyle Heights say the aftermath of a fire at the Lineage cold-storage warehouse has left the neighborhood plagued by foul odors, flies and large rats. The blaze, which damaged a facility that stored millions of pounds of meat, has resulted in the removal of more than 1,500 tons of waste, but the cleanup is still ongoing and temperatures have worsened the smell.
Local officials acknowledge the complaints; the county’s air-quality agency has logged nearly 1,000 odor reports. Supervisor Hilda Solis said the decision on a mandatory evacuation rests with the city’s incident command, and the Department of Public Health is sending teams to canvass the area. She noted that most residents prefer to stay in their homes despite the conditions.
Community organizer Alma Marquez, who works with Protect L.A. Now, urged an evacuation order, arguing it would unlock additional assistance such as insurance benefits. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado criticized the company's response, saying residents should not have to endure conditions that would be unacceptable in wealthier neighborhoods.
Lineage officials reported that 521 truckloads of waste have been removed and that they are employing odor-control sprayers, neutralizers, building wraps and carbon filters. Vice president of operations Alex Rodriguez said the company is committed to “the fastest and safest cleanup possible” and is working with the South Coast AQMD.
Business owners near the site report significant losses. Martin Ramirez, who runs a body shop, said customers have stopped coming, costing his business about $10,000 a week, and that a large rat has been hiding in his shop for weeks. Residents have set up rat traps and fly traps, but the infestations persist, and many keep windows closed out of health concerns.
Mayor Karen Bass announced that Airbnb has pledged $1 million for emergency housing, providing more than 1,000 nights of free accommodation for affected residents. However, community members say an evacuation order would provide broader relief.
The situation remains unresolved as cleanup crews continue to work amid ongoing complaints about odor, pests and health risks.