LAFD finds cause of Lineage warehouse fire undetermined

The Los Angeles Fire Department has concluded its investigation into the June 17 fire at the Lineage Logistics cold-storage warehouse in Boyle Heights, but the exact cause remains undetermined. Investigators found that the blaze originated on the roof due to an “electrical event” occurring at or near a section of solar panels. Despite a comprehensive probe, officials could not conclusively establish what triggered the electrical event.

The inconclusive findings arrive amidst ongoing litigation. Lineage Logistics has sued solar power provider Altus Power, Inc. and contractor Pearce Services, alleging they were responsible for the fire by prematurely re-energizing the solar array before safety checks were complete. Altus Power and its subsidiaries have disputed these claims and intend to contest them in court.

The fire caused heavy damage to the facility and necessitated a massive cleanup operation after millions of pounds of food inside the warehouse rotted. Local officials, including District 14 Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, have expressed continued concern regarding community health and the safety of the site, with Jurado opposing any permits to rebuild the facility.