Recurrent Fires at Lineage’s Cold Storage Warehouses

The massive fire that engulfed a food warehouse in Los Angeles last June was not a solitary event. A CBS News investigation revealed it was part of a pattern of incidents involving facilities owned by Lineage, a leading global cold storage company. Over the past decade, at least 63 fires have occurred at Lineage properties, according to federal data. Lineage acknowledged 34 fires, including a protracted fire in Finley, Washington.

Residents have raised concerns over the company’s safety practices, particularly after the June 17 warehouse fire in Boyle Heights, LA. Many residents still grapple with odors, pests, and uncertain exposure to pollutants. “Leadership at all levels has failed us,” one resident expressed at a town hall meeting.

Lineage, operating the Boyle Heights facility, stated they are actively addressing odor control and waste removal, with improvements expected as cleanup continues.

Lawsuits have emerged against Lineage and entities like Chill Build LLC and rooftop solar contractors. These allege negligence in facility management, resulting in a fire and exposure to harmful substances. Chill Build invested heavily in fire response efforts, claiming Lineage bears responsibility for ongoing repairs and recovery.

Lineage believes the blaze started on the rooftop during contractor work on a solar array owned by Altus Power. However, the cause remains under investigation. The fire marked one of LA’s largest industrial incidents, scorching 85 million pounds of food. Dr. Jill Johnston, from UC Irvine, noted the broader concerns about air toxics and health impacts.

Operating over 500 warehouses worldwide, Lineage considers safety its top value. Still, the Boyle Heights fire echoes past high-profile incidents. Records revealed 63 occurrences since 2016 involving buildings, vehicles, or site trash. Lineage confirmed fires in locations like Finley, Texas, Massachusetts, and another fire at Boyle Heights in 2024.

Legal disputes surfaced in Finley, asserting the fire polluted air and water, linking it to illness and deaths. Lineage contests these claims, emphasizing its safety record. Government reports cite enforced actions against Lineage since 2014, resulting in $4.5 million in penalties for workplace and environmental breaches.

An ammonia leak incident in North Carolina in 2020, resulting in a worker’s death, highlights the risks linked to cold storage facilities. The use of anhydrous ammonia for cooling poses explosion risks and potential toxic chemical releases, said Johnston.

As residents in Boyle Heights demand the closure of the local warehouse, Lineage continues monitoring air quality, sharing data with regulators and the public. Though Lineage reported no community ammonia detection, data showed elevated levels, albeit within safe limits. The EPA has requested further compliance information from Lineage.

Unlike distant industrial establishments, cold storage warehouses are often near homes and schools to expedite food distribution. Some Boyle Heights residents live in close proximity to the warehouse. “Understanding and containing the toxins remains a significant challenge here,” Johnston remarked.

Lineage claims steadfast support for the community during recovery, noting its workplace safety surpasses industry averages. It states its commitment to safety excellence, supported by a dedicated team of over 200 in engineering, maintenance, safety, and compliance roles.