Boyle Heights parents raise concerns as students return to school near Lineage warehouse

BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles Unified School District students returned to class Wednesday, including those who live near the Lineage Logistics warehouse in Boyle Heights that was destroyed by a fire two months ago.

According to a report from the school district, campuses in the area are safe. However, some parents said they remain concerned about air quality and the potential effects on their children's health.

The Lineage Logistics warehouse fire burned through an estimated 80 million pounds of food, raising questions among families about what conditions will be like for students walking to school, playing outside and spending time on campus.

Adriana Bojorquez, a Boyle Heights resident, said her daughter began feeling ill Wednesday morning because of the odor.

"She started complaining about a sore throat, that her throat was hurting. She started coughing, so I don't know how she's going to be right now," Bojorquez said. "Hopefully she's better."

Bojorquez added that she and her daughter rarely get sick but developed a respiratory infection that required a hospital visit in the weeks following the fire.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has ordered Lineage to remove at least 8.8 million pounds of food each week, use covered loading docks and take steps to reduce odors associated with the site.

Lawmakers are also pushing for policy changes they say could help prevent other communities from facing similar circumstances in the future.

"AB 817 will not undo what has already happened, but it can make sure that the next community in California is not left asking the same questions we are asking today. It can make sure there's a plan, there are resources, there's accountability, and most importantly there's a government prepared to act," state Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez said.

Lawmakers say the proposal would make sure that Lineage can't rebuild without getting the approval of the community first.

Some parents said they are frustrated with the pace of the cleanup and do not believe students should return to school before the cleanup is completed.