Ammonia Concerns Rise After Los Angeles Warehouse Fire

The Boyle Heights warehouse fire in Los Angeles, which lasted eight days in June, involved significant use of anhydrous ammonia for cooling. Despite initial claims from the Los Angeles Fire Department of an ammonia leak, Lineage has denied any leak occurred and reported ammonia removal during the incident.

Monitoring data revealed ammonia levels exceeding California's safety standards, with readings near local schools and residences. The U.S. EPA is investigating potential ammonia releases, requiring Lineage to provide a detailed timeline and air monitoring results.

Fire department logs indicated an active ammonia leak during the response, contradicting later statements from Lineage. Community concerns about health effects from ammonia exposure persist, particularly among vulnerable populations like children.