Massive LA warehouse fire leaves 85 million pounds of rotting food and a lingering stench
A June 17 fire at a large cold-storage warehouse in Boyle Heights destroyed vast amounts of food, leaving about 85 million pounds of rotting meat and seafood that residents say has created an unbearable odor and pest problems. Lineage says roughly 80% of the waste has been removed, but city officials say the cleanup has fallen short and have issued health and safety citations. In response, LA has mobilized mobile health clinics and air purifiers, while Lineage estimates $80–$100 million in cleanup costs and is aiming to finish bulk waste removal with an August 13 deadline. Mayor Karen Bass has pledged transparency and halted rebuilding plans until health and safety protections are in place.