Key facts
- A fire at a Los Angeles cold-storage warehouse on June 17 resulted in millions of pounds of rotting food.
- Residents are experiencing a strong odor, flies, and rats due to the decomposing food.
- Lineage, the warehouse operator, has removed approximately 80% of the waste but faces criticism for slow progress.
- City officials have issued violation notices and a deadline for cleanup completion.
- The cleanup is expected to cost Lineage between $80 million and $100 million.
A massive fire at a cold-storage warehouse in Los Angeles on June 17 has left behind an estimated 85 million pounds of rotting food, creating an unbearable stench and attracting swarms of flies and rats in the Boyle Heights neighborhood. Residents report the smell is so pungent it makes them want to vomit, with some likening it to a dead body. The slow cleanup has led to frustration, with local business owner Alexis Sicairos noting a significant drop in customers for his coffee stand due to the odor, flies, and absence of warehouse workers. A city-commissioned inspection report highlighted that the waste and high temperatures could accelerate the breeding of disease-carrying flies. Residents have also reported seeing large rats. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged the residents' frustration, stating that the company's response has fallen short and that city departments are working with various partners to expedite the process. Lineage, the warehouse operator, has been issued public health and safety violation notices and fined $500 per day for unsanitary conditions. While Lineage reports that about 80% of the food waste has been removed and expects to complete bulk removal next week, Mayor Bass has given the company an August 13 deadline and has also directed city departments to halt plans for rebuilding the warehouse until community health and safety are protected. Lineage estimates the cleanup will cost between $80 million and $100 million.