In June, a significant fire consumed a food warehouse in Los Angeles, casting large parts of the city in smoke. This incident, according to a CBS News investigation, is part of a troubling pattern linked to Lineage, one of the largest global operators of temperature-controlled storage. Federal records reveal at least 63 fires in the past decade at Lineage facilities worldwide.
Lineage acknowledges 34 fires, including a prolonged one in Finley, Washington. The June 17 fire in Boyle Heights sparked renewed scrutiny of Lineage’s safety practices. Residents nearby still report issues with odors, pests, and concerns over pollutants. During a community town hall, a resident expressed disappointment, stating, “I feel that leadership at all levels has failed us.”
The Boyle Heights warehouse, leased and operated by Lineage but owned by Chill Build LLC, was severely impacted. Lineage assured CBS News of ongoing efforts for odor and pest control, anticipating improvements as cleanup progresses. Residents have pursued litigation against Lineage, Chill Build LLC, and other stakeholders, citing negligence as the fire’s cause, exposing them to toxic smoke.
Chill Build stated significant financial input toward the fire response but emphasized that Lineage is responsible for facility maintenance. Lineage indicated that contractors for Altus Power might have inadvertently ignited the fire during rooftop work. Altus Power awaits the investigation’s outcome, remaining cooperative with authorities.
The fire was one of Los Angeles’ largest industrial blazes in history, destroying 85 million pounds of food. Environmental health expert Dr. Jill Johnston from the University of California, Irvine, emphasized additional air quality concerns due to the fire.
Lineage operates over 500 warehouses globally, asserting that safety is fundamental to its operations. However, this incident appears symptomatic of broader issues within the company. CBS News reported 63 fires linked to Lineage since 2016, including at facilities in Washington, Texas, Massachusetts, and previously at the Los Angeles site in 2024.
Residents of Finley pursued legal action, alleging that pollution from a fire led to environmental and health impacts, which Lineage disputes. Government records show Lineage incurred over $4.5 million in penalties for workplace safety and environmental violations since 2014, with incidents involving hazardous chemicals noted.
Cold storage warehouses like Lineage’s pose specific risks, primarily due to ammonia refrigeration systems. Johnston highlighted that such chemicals pose explosion risks, with potential toxic releases if mishandled.
In response to the Los Angeles fire, Lineage maintained continuous air quality monitoring, asserting local ammonia levels remained undetected, despite data suggesting otherwise. The Environmental Protection Agency recently requested detailed safety and chemical release information during the fire.
Cold storage warehouses are frequently situated near residential areas to facilitate distribution. In Boyle Heights, some residents reside only a block away, complicating containment efforts and raising unique challenges, according to Johnston.
Lineage reiterated its commitment to community support, holding its safety practices above industry averages and emphasizing continuous improvement. The company employs a specialized team dedicated to safety and compliance, striving for excellence in these areas.