A massive warehouse fire trapped a neighborhood in smoke for days, but the worst toxic threats were stopped just in time.

A massive warehouse fire trapped a neighborhood in smoke for days, but the worst toxic threats were stopped just in time.

Firefighters in Boyle Heights shut down ammonia valves and battled roof solar panels to save a local community from a chemical disaster.

When a massive fire breaks out near your home, the air you breathe becomes a waiting game of fear. For families in Boyle Heights, that fear hung in the air for two days.

What Happened

On Wednesday afternoon, a fire started at the Lineage Logistics cold storage plant on South Los Palos Street.

The warehouse is huge, measuring 500,000 square feet. Firefighters thought they had it under control, but it flared up again inside a freezer on Thursday.

Helicopters had to drop water on the roof overnight to stop solar panels from burning. On Friday morning, officials finally lifted the order telling neighbors to stay inside.

What the evidence shows

• 500,000 square feet of warehouse space caught fire.
• 2 days of burning before the stay-inside order was lifted.
• 0 hazardous chemicals found in the smoke after testing.
• 1 major ammonia valve shut off to prevent toxic leaks.
• 0 injuries reported so far.

The Bigger Question

We put massive warehouses right next to where people live and play. This plant had heavy chemicals like ammonia and giant lithium-ion batteries.

Should cities allow these giant industrial hubs so close to family homes when a single spark can put thousands of lives on hold?

The Other Side

Lineage Logistics has not released a detailed statement on the cause, but the fire department confirmed the company's safety systems and valves worked as planned to stop an ammonia leak.

Based on the quick shutdown of the chemical valves, the safety designs did exactly what they were supposed to do to prevent a bigger disaster.

What Happens Now

Neighbors can finally step outside, but those with asthma or breathing issues must still be careful. A smoke advisory is still in place for five local zones.

Fire crews are still spraying water from the outside because the building is too damaged to enter safely.

What We Still Don't Know

• What started the fire on Wednesday afternoon?
• Did any of the lithium-ion batteries inside the warehouse get damaged?
• How long will the smoke hang over Boyle Heights before the air is completely clear?