safety
Here’s what we do, and don’t, know about what’s in the smoke from the Boyle Heights fire
By Erin Stone at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· June 22, 2026
· 3 min read
A thick cloud of smoke envelops a street near a cold storage warehouse in Boyle Heights.(Jessica Perez / Boyle Heights Beat)A refrigerated warehouse operated by Lineage Logistics has burned in Boyle Heights for nearly a week. Public health officials are urging residents nearby and downwind to pro...
Key takeaway Fire Department said foam insulation, wood pallets of food, and solar panels on top of the 500,000 square-foot building continue to smolder.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The uncertainty surrounding the composition of the smoke from the Boyle Heights fire raises concerns about the long-term health impacts on local residents, particularly in a community already burdened by poor air quality. The presence of toxic organics and heavy metals in the smoke, as suggested by UCLA researcher Yifang Zhu, could exacerbate existing respiratory issues and other health problems. The call by City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado for more transparency and detailed information about the smoke's composition is crucial, as it would enable residents to take informed precautions to protect themselves. The fact that the South Coast Air Quality Management District's monitors do not track other types of pollutants highlights the need for more comprehensive air quality monitoring in the area. As the fire continues to smolder, it is imperative that local authorities prioritize the health and safety of Boyle Heights residents and provide them with accurate and timely information about the air they are breathing.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A thick cloud of smoke envelops a street near a cold storage warehouse in Boyle Heights.(Jessica Perez / Boyle Heights Beat)A refrigerated warehouse operated by Lineage Logistics has burned in Boyle Heights for nearly a week. Public health officials are urging residents nearby and downwind to pro...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Erin Stone at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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