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New shelter-in-place order issued in Boyle Heights area after massive fire, LAFD says

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Last updated: Friday, June 19, 2026 5:15AM GMT
Renewed alert in Boyle Heights: Latest on new shelter-in-place order

BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A new shelter-in-place order was issued Thursday as the Los Angeles Fire Department worked to ventilate a commercial building that burned in the Boyle Heights area, sending a black column of smoke into the air visible for miles.

A special particle pollution advisory was extended through Friday, June 19, at 12:30 p.m., according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

The inferno began shortly before 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at a cold storage facility in the 1400 block of South Los Palos Street.

At least four water-dropping helicopters responded to the scene to help put out the blaze. The Los Angeles Police Department was on tactical alert due to this fire and later went on a modified tactical alert as firefighters got the upper hand.

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

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Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Rob Hayes Image
Jun 18, 2026, 7:25 PM GMT

LAFD chief says air is safe to breathe in aftermath of warehouse fire

On the day after a massive fire erupted on the roof of a warehouse in Boyle Heights, LAFD Chief Jaime Moore said Thursday that the air at the scene was again safe to breathe.

"We've been monitoring the air throughout this incident, monitoring the smoke columns, we're monitoring downwind," Moore said at a news conference near the cold storage facility that was still smoldering. "We're monitoring in the building, we're monitoring outside the building, and we're getting absolutely no readings of any concern.

On the day after a massive fire erupted on the roof of a warehouse in Boyle Heights, LAFD Chief Jaime Moore said Thursday that the air at the scene was again safe to breathe.

The fire chief noted that conditions where he and reporters were standing were "clear as can be. The prevailing winds have blown most of the smoke away."

On Thursday, LAFD spokesperson Jennifer Middleton said there was previous concern over the fire burning an ammonia line, but that danger had "dissipated." The roof blaze had been extinguished by late afternoon and firefighters were entering the building to assess the interior, Middleton said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Jun 18, 2026, 1:55 PM GMT

Air quality concerns remain as fire smolders

Although the shelter-in-place order has been lifted in Boyle Heights, concerns over air quality remain as the fire continues to smolder.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a particle pollution advisory that will remain in effect through 10 a.m. Thursday. That impacts areas like East Los Angeles, Montebello, downtown L.A. and portions of the San Gabriel Valley.

Although the shelter-in-place order has been lifted in Boyle Heights, concerns over air quality remain as the fire continues to smolder.

People in those areas are advised to limit exposure by staying inside and closing windows and doors and running an air purifier if available.

Meanwhile, crews were still unable to enter the building Thursday morning.

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Jun 18, 2026, 6:56 AM GMT

Boyle Heights warehouse continues to smolder; firefighters to stay overnight

Firefighters will remain on scene of a large building fire in Boyle Heights overnight.

Firefighters will remain on scene of a large building fire in Boyle Heights overnight.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said it won't be declaring a knockdown anytime soon. The building will continue to smolder for the next few hours, according to LAFD.

Crews will work on putting out hot spots and making sure that fire does not spark up again.

LAFD said firefighters still aren't going inside the building because of hazardous gases possibly still in the air and the instability of the roof.

Fire officials added that part of the roof has sunk in but was not immediately at risk of collapse.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said LAPD and the L.A. Fire Department will be working on a joint arson investigation.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Meanwhile, a smoke advisory remains in effect for parts of downtown L.A. and the San Fernando Valley until 10 a.m. Thursday out of an abundance of caution.

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Jun 18, 2026, 4:04 AM GMT

Shelter-in-place orders lifted for Boyle Heights warehouse fire

A shelter-in-place order has been lifted for Boyle Heights after a massive fire tore through the roof of a warehouse with solar panels, sparking concerns for hazardous materials.

The Los Angeles Fire Department made the announcement just before 9 p.m.

"Although smoke in the area has decreased, individuals with sensitive health issues should continue to monitor the air quality, remain cautious, stay indoors, close all doors and windows to limit exposure to outdoor air," the fire department said in a statement.