‘Like a dead body’: after warehouse fire, LA residents say air thick with smell of rotting food

Like a Dead Body: LA Residents Breathe in Rotting Food Smell After Warehouse Fire

Like a dead body - Residents in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, describe the air as carrying the Like a dead body scent of decaying produce, a lingering reminder of the warehouse fire that erupted near downtown. The blaze, which prompted a state of emergency and evacuation, has left the neighborhood grappling with a persistent odor from the burned frozen goods. Though firefighters contained the flames on Wednesday, the damage remains extensive, with millions of pounds of perishable items lost and the environmental impact still unfolding.

Health and Environmental Fears Grow

Since the fire began on June 17, local residents have reported a range of health symptoms, including sore throats, headaches, and nausea. Kelvin Vasquez, a longtime Boyle Heights neighbor, recounted the experience as “Like a dead body,” likening the smell to that of a decomposing animal. The intensity of the odor has not diminished even after the fire was extinguished, raising concerns about its long-term effects on air quality and public health. The warehouse, housing 85 million pounds of frozen food, has now become a source of worry for the entire community.

“It’s pretty much something like a dead body,” Vasquez said, describing the acrid, persistent smell that has seeped into daily life. “The air feels heavy, as if it’s suffocating.”

Experts warn that the smell is not just unpleasant—it could signal the release of harmful toxins into the environment. The remaining 40 million pounds of food, exposed to heat and smoke, may pose risks to both human health and the ecosystem. While officials have begun assessing the situation, residents remain uncertain about the safety of their homes and the air they breathe.

Dispute Over Fire Origins

Two companies are at the center of the warehouse’s fire: Lineage Logistics, which operates the interior storage, and Altus Power, the solar company managing the rooftop panels. Lineage has accused Altus of negligence, suggesting the blaze started during solar array tests. Altus, however, has not confirmed the cause, citing ongoing investigations. Both firms have previously experienced fires, with the Boyle Heights site cited as a recurring risk after a similar incident in 2024.

Lineage’s fire in Finley, Washington, earlier this year also sparked health complaints and displaced communities. The blaze burned for 60 days, and the company is still facing legal challenges over the incident. This history of fires has fueled questions about the safety standards and maintenance practices of both companies, with residents demanding transparency and accountability from all parties involved.

Los Angeles health officials are working to determine the full extent of the contamination. The cleanup process has been complicated by the millions of gallons of water used to extinguish the fire, which now carries debris and burnt materials into the surrounding area. While Lineage has hired a dedicated firm to manage recovery, details about the timeline and disposal of spoiled food remain unclear, leaving the community in limbo.

Municipal Response and Community Skepticism

At a recent press conference, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass pledged to hold those responsible for the fire “fully accountable,” announcing an executive order to expedite cleanup efforts. She emphasized the importance of community health, stating that the city would prioritize addressing residents’ concerns. However, locals like Vasquez remain unconvinced. “We’re still waiting for answers,” he said, pointing to the continued presence of the Like a dead body smell and the slow pace of the response.

While the mayor’s commitment is a step forward, many residents are calling for more immediate action. The stench of rotting food has become a daily reality, and the lack of a clear plan for disposal has heightened anxiety. As the cleanup continues, the focus remains on ensuring the air in Boyle Heights is safe once again, with the community hoping for a resolution that does not leave them breathing in the memory of a Like a dead body scent for months to come.