L.A. state of emergency: What we know about Boyle Heights fire
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Los Angeles declared a state of emergency due to a stubborn warehouse fire in Boyle Heights that has burned for days.Here’s a rundown of what we know:Lineage Logistics, the tenant-operator of the building, said in a statement that it believes the fire began while third-party contractors were testing the solar array on the roof.Business Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency after a stubborn warehouse fire at a cold storage facility sent irritating smoke across the region.The declaration activates the city’s emergency response structure, directs departments to assess damages and costs, and requests state assistance to support firefighting, cleanup, environmental monitoring and community recovery efforts.
As of Saturday afternoon, the state has not declared an emergency.The fire broke out Wednesday and has burned for fourdays.The 500,000-square-foot commercial building stores 85 million pounds of frozen food “like a giant cooler,” said Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jamie Moore.
The corrugated steel walls are filled with very dense foam that is burning slowly and emitting gases despite ongoing water drops from helicopters.LAFD Chief Deputy Jon O’Brien said Saturday that deep pockets of smoldering fire remain buried under structural debris and solar panels.The building is so big and the flames are in such hard-to-reach areas that firefighters have needed to get creative with their approach, using water-dropping helicopters and other heavy equipment.Moore cautioned people with lung issues or smoke sensitivity to avoid outdoor activities, but said crews have mitigated hazardous materials at the site.However they remain concerned about biohazards potentially posed by spoiled food.L.A.
County Health Officer Muntu Davis said the main public health concern was smoke and fine particles that can cause irritation of the ear, nose, throat and lungs, as well as exacerbat...