A Particle Pollution Advisory tied to the Boyle Heights cold storage fire has been extended until 12:30 p.m. Sunday, with officials warning smoke could shift and worsen air conditions across Southeast and Central/East Los Angeles. Health officials urged reside
The smoke from a Boyle Heights cold storage facility fire has been drifting for days, and more bad air is expected to reach the surrounding neighborhoods—potentially far beyond the immediate area.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District extended a Particle Pollution Advisory until 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. The agency warned that a change in wind direction on Sunday morning may push smoke toward Southeast Los Angeles County. If the fire continues producing significant smoke Sunday afternoon, it will continue to impact Central and East Los Angeles.
Health officials say the danger is not just the smell or visible haze. L.A. County Health Officer Muntu Davis said the main public health concern is smoke and fine particles that can irritate the ears. nose. throat and lungs. while also worsening existing heart and lung conditions. People with heightened sensitivity were encouraged to wear well-fitting N95 and P100 masks. and to register for emergency notifications at alertla.org.
The American Lung Association’s Will Barrett said it can be hard to determine exactly what is in the smoke while crews are still trying to contain the evolving risk. Still, he stressed that residents should assume exposure is unsafe. “Much like recent industrial and wildfire incidents. the makeup of the smoke can include toxic chemicals. fine particles and other serious risks to lung health depending on fire conditions and what is burned. ” Barrett said.
Officials also pointed to concerns beyond air quality. They said crews have mitigated hazardous materials at the site. but they remain concerned about biohazards potentially posed by spoiled food—specifically bread. poultry. pork and beef. The 500,000-square-foot warehouse stores 85 million pounds of frozen food.
For residents trying to protect themselves, the Los Angeles County Department of Health offered plain, practical steps:
If you smell smoke or see smoke or ash at ground level, avoid vigorous physical activity and remain indoors with doors and windows closed. Run an air purifier if available, and do not use a whole-house fan or swamp cooler, which can pull polluted air inside.
If you see or smell smoke—or notice particles and ash—stay indoors to limit exposure. especially if you have heart or lung conditions. are elderly. or have children. If you must go outside in smoky conditions for long periods of time in areas with heavy smoke or where ash is present. wear an N95 or P100 mask.
When heat makes it difficult to keep windows and doors closed. officials urged residents to cool off in a public place such as a library or shopping center to reduce exposure. They also advised against using fireplaces, candles, or vacuums. For cleanup, clean dusty surfaces with a damp cloth and don’t smoke.
Officials said to watch for symptoms including severe coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, palpitations, nausea, or unusual fatigue—contacting a doctor or going to urgent care if they occur. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911.
As communities deal with the lingering air impacts, the city opened a smoke respite shelter at Pecan Recreation Center at 145 S. Pecan St., while the county opened one in City Terrace Park at 1126 N. Hazard Ave.
State support is also being readied. The state will deploy technical experts and make ready 5.5 million respirator masks for distribution, along with commercial-grade air purifiers, bottled water and enhanced air-quality monitors.
The fire has been burning since Wednesday, and with the wind shift Sunday could bring, officials are urging residents to treat the air as a risk until conditions improve.
Boyle Heights fire cold storage fire smoke Particle Pollution Advisory South Coast Air Quality Management District L.A. County Health Officer Muntu Davis N95 P100 masks smoke respite shelter alertla.org air quality