A Los Angeles City Council package aimed at addressing the aftermath of the Boyle Heights warehouse fire would expand relief for residents, strengthen corporate penalties and open the door to possible civil action against Lineage Logistics. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado introduced the seven-item “Boyle Heights Fire Recovery and Environmental Justice Package” as smoke, odors and pest problems continued more than six weeks after the June 17 blaze.
The fire left about 85 million pounds of spoiled food at the site, and residents have complained of foul smells, flies and rats for more than a month. Jurado is calling for a mitigation fund of up to $10 million to pay for odor control, pest management and help for affected residents and small businesses.
The proposal also would increase penalties for serious violations that cause widespread harm in a community, raising fines from $25,000 to as much as $1 million. If the package passes, the city attorney would review whether to pursue a civil lawsuit against Lineage Logistics, and the Los Angeles Department of Public Health’s final environmental impact findings would have to be released.
Lineage said it has removed about 80% of the food waste from the site and expects to finish the cleanup next week. But some residents say they still have not received in-person help from the company. Separately, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors was scheduled to discuss expanded aid for affected small businesses and tougher penalties for public health violations.
