A severe infestation and foul smells are permeating a frozen food warehouse in Boyle Heights that was destroyed by a large fire.
Residents nearby are struggling with a fly problem due to vast amounts of decaying meat and bread. To make matters worse, broken water mains are contributing to the environmental crisis, leading to floods.
Around a mile from Lineage Logistics’ massive 500,000-square-foot facility, a pipe burst on Sunday left locals without water for several hours. This warehouse, which used to store 85 million pounds of frozen food, has become hazardous due to decomposing waste, with reports of strong odors, rats, and dead birds in the vicinity.
The California Water Authority stated that the burst pipe—near the cleanup area—was unrelated to the fire, yet it’s causing more issues for the community. Trucks are still active, hauling away spoiled food like crabmeat and pig’s feet, but residents feel trapped in a place overwhelmed by the stench.
“I hope they don’t have any infections or anything… It smells and there are flies. I’m worried about that now,” said Martin Ramirez, a local business owner. Residents are eager for a prompt cleanup of the area.
This situation follows closely on the heels of Mayor Karen Bass’s emotional address to Boyle Heights residents, where she promised to “fight” for them.
Locals have been enduring the unbearable odor emanating from the charred warehouse for weeks. “I see this as an issue of environmental injustice,” Mayor Bass expressed to a crowd of frustrated residents gathered at Stevenson Middle School seeking clarity on the cleanup process.
Meanwhile, business owners along Olympic Boulevard are worried that the noxious smell is driving away customers and impacting their income. Neighbors have pointed fingers at Lineage Logistics and solar contractor Altus Power, claiming that ongoing legal disputes are delaying the demolition and cleanup efforts.
