Cold Storage Company Faces Criticism After Series of Warehouse Fires

A massive food warehouse fire in Los Angeles in June highlighted ongoing safety concerns with one of the largest global cold storage companies. CBS News investigated and found Lineage, a company operating temperature-controlled warehouses, had at least 63 fires in the past decade. Lineage acknowledged 34 fires at their warehouses, including a long-burning one in Finley, Washington.

Residents in Boyle Heights, where the June fire occurred, face persistent odors, pests, and concerns over pollutant exposure. A local resident criticized leadership at all levels, claiming failure in response. Lineage, which operated the Boyle Heights warehouse owned by Chill Build LLC, is undertaking odor control, pest control, and food waste removal to improve conditions.

Lawsuits against Lineage and others allege failure to safely manage the facility, leading to a dangerous fire and exposure to harmful smoke. Lineage believes a contractor working on rooftop solar systems caused the fire. Altus Power, the solar system owner, stated the fire’s cause remains undetermined as investigations continue.

The fire, one of Los Angeles’ largest industrial disasters, burned over a week, spoiling 85 million pounds of food. Dr. Jill Johnston of the University of California, Irvine expressed worry about urban air quality impacts.

Lineage claims safety as a core value, despite frequent fires. National database data shows 63 fires involving Lineage’s facilities since 2016. The company disagrees with a Finley lawsuit alleging pollution. Government records reveal more than $4.5 million in penalties since 2014 for workplace safety and environmental violations. An ammonia leak in 2020 led to a worker’s death, with regulators citing this and other incidents.

Cold storage warehouses using toxic anhydrous ammonia refrigeration systems pose unique risks. Johnston warns of potential releases of toxic chemicals. Lineage monitored air quality and shared data post-fire, stating no measurable ammonia detected. Yet, July data showed elevated ammonia levels near the warehouse, though below dangerous thresholds.

The EPA requested information from Lineage regarding safety compliance and chemical releases. Cold storage warehouses often lie close to homes and businesses for efficient food distribution. In Boyle Heights, residents live nearby the affected warehouse, presenting unprecedented challenges in toxin containment.

Lineage claims it supported the community through the response and cleanup, outperforming industry safety averages. They emphasize striving for safety excellence with a dedicated team of personnel.