Boyle Heights Residents Demand Evacuation as 85 Million Pounds of Food Rot After Lineage Fire
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 23
Boyle Heights Residents Demand Evacuation as 85 Million Pounds of Food Rot After Lineage Fire
3 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 23
Summary
Nearly 1,000 odor complaints have piled up around the burned Lineage warehouse, where residents say giant rats, swarming flies and putrid air have made homes and businesses increasingly unlivable.
521 truckloads of waste—more than 1,506 tons—have been removed, but millions of pounds of rotting meat remain after last month’s fire, and no clear timeline has been given for finishing the cleanup.
Tuesday’s county Board of Supervisors meeting drew East L.A. residents seeking a formal evacuation order, arguing it would unlock broader aid beyond Airbnb’s $1 million emergency housing program and 1,000 free nights.
County Supervisor Hilda Solis said mandatory evacuation authority rests with city-led incident command and that canvassing found many residents want odors addressed and the site cleaned but prefer to stay.
Lineage says it is using odor sprayers, building wrap, carbon filters and sealed waste transport while working under Mayor Karen Bass’ 45-day removal order, though regulators have already issued multiple violations and local officials remain skeptical.