Los Angeles investigating alleged unpermitted construction at warehouse involved in massive fire
Los Angeles Investigating Alleged Unpermitted Construction in Boyle Heights Warehouse Fire
Los Angeles investigating alleged unpermitted construction - Los Angeles officials are investigating alleged unpermitted construction at a warehouse that was the site of a massive fire in Boyle Heights, according to city records. The blaze, which destroyed part of a 500,000-square-foot cold storage facility, took eight days to extinguish and prompted a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents, as well as an emergency declaration by Governor Gavin Newsom. The focus of the investigation is whether unapproved structural modifications contributed to the fire’s severity or delayed containment efforts.
The inquiry began on June 17, the same day the fire erupted, following concerns raised about the rooftop solar panel system. These concerns were heightened by a smaller fire in August 2024, which was quickly contained but revealed potential weaknesses in the building’s design. A source from the Los Angeles Fire Department told CBS News that investigators are examining whether the earlier incident’s lessons were overlooked, particularly regarding the structural integrity of the solar array.
Building Permits and Post-Fire Repairs
City records show that Lineage, the logistics company operating the warehouse, did not secure permits for repairs after the August 2024 fire, nor were inspections conducted on the roof for over a year. This lack of oversight has sparked questions about compliance with safety regulations. “It felt like déjà vu when the new fire occurred,” said the source, who requested anonymity due to limited public speaking authority. The company’s CFO, Robert Crisci, confirmed during a November 2024 earnings call that the 2024 fire caused an estimated $6 million in damages, further emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of the building’s history.
"Our first concern is for the residents of Boyle Heights, everyone affected by this fire, and for the firefighters working to contain it,"
stated Altus Power, the firm managing the solar array. Lineage, meanwhile, attributed the fire’s origin to tests conducted by the solar system’s owner, asserting that the health and safety of employees and communities remained their priority. However, the absence of permits for post-fire repairs has left officials skeptical about whether the necessary precautions were taken.
Health and Environmental Concerns
Residents in the Boyle Heights neighborhood have reported respiratory issues, including symptoms of emphysema, pneumonia, and bronchitis, following exposure to smoke from the warehouse fire. A report by Northwest Public Broadcasting highlighted these health concerns, linking the smoke to potential long-term effects. Attorney Will Sykes, representing affected residents, stressed the importance of understanding why two fires occurred on the same roof within two years. “This warrants a thorough investigation to determine if unpermitted construction played a role in the recurrence,” he said.
Firefighters confirmed that the blaze is now under control, with containment efforts expected to wrap up by the end of the week. Lineage also disclosed the presence of hazardous chemicals, such as ammonia, during the incident, raising additional safety concerns. As the city delves deeper into the cause, experts are urging a closer look at the interplay between unpermitted construction and the fire’s spread.
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety has been contacted by CBS News for further details. City officials issued a permit for the rooftop PV solar system in July 2020, but the recent fires have exposed gaps in post-construction oversight. With the warehouse’s roof now under scrutiny, the investigation aims to clarify whether the unpermitted work compromised the building’s safety or exacerbated the fire’s impact.
Residents and community leaders are calling for transparency, citing the potential risks posed by unapproved construction. The incident has sparked debates about the adequacy of current building codes and the importance of regular inspections. As the investigation continues, it may lead to broader changes in how warehouses are constructed and maintained in Los Angeles.