Over the past five days, smoke from a fire at a cold-storage facility has significantly reduced, transforming from a thick, black plume to a diluted gray haze over Los Angeles. Despite this change, residents in the Boyle Heights neighborhood remain concerned about their health.
The blaze has caused severe air quality issues. Neighbors have reported difficulties in breathing, headaches, and burning eyes, even when indoors. During heightened smoke levels, the area appeared dystopian, with streets cloaked in darkness and limited visibility.
“It’s been hell,” shared Consuelo Granadas, an 80-year-old resident. She expressed the ongoing struggle with poor air quality, stating, “You can’t breathe inside the home. The stink is never-ending.” Ms. Granadas has stayed in her home, unwilling to leave her pets.
In East Los Angeles, residents cope similarly. Mayra Grijalva, aged 60, wore an N-95 mask and sunglasses to step outside during her remote job’s lunch break. Smoke still penetrated her taped-up home.
Ms. Grijalva waited at her gate as a county worker arrived. The workers have been assessing conditions and guiding residents.
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