Details emerge about solar array involved in Boyle Heights fire.
A destructive fire that has engulfed a cold storage warehouse in Boyle Heights for several days has raised significant concerns about safety protocols and accountability among the involved parties. Lineage, the operator of the facility, has implicated Altus Power, the owner of the solar energy array installed on the roof, as potentially responsible for the incident.
The fire began on June 17, but an official cause has yet to be determined. Pearce Services, a subcontractor that was onsite conducting maintenance for the solar array, reported that four of its employees were present when the blaze ignited. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. Pearce has expressed its willingness to cooperate with investigations led by the Los Angeles Fire Department and other relevant authorities, stating that it is providing all necessary information and support.
In the aftermath of the incident, Lineage has sought to rally support for the Boyle Heights community, donating million to the California Community Impact Fund. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has launched investigations into both Lineage and Pearce Services, further complicating the situation.
Reports indicate that prior to the main fire, two smaller fires had occurred that day. Fire Chief Jaime Moore confirmed that the workers believed they had extinguished these incidents. However, a third fire erupted, prompting a 911 call for assistance. While specifics on the ongoing work were not disclosed, it has been suggested that the subcontractors were attempting to reactivate high-voltage solar panels that had been shut down following an earlier fire incident in 2024.
The previous fire incident, which took place in August 2024, required a remarkable response from over 80 firefighters, including support from Los Angeles County Fire. Firefighters were faced with formidable challenges due to the building’s size and configuration, necessitating the use of extension ladders and hand lines to combat the flames effectively.
The current warehouse, managed by Lineage, is a massive structure used to store approximately 85 million tons of frozen food and was constructed in 2018. The solar array, capable of generating around 6 megawatts of power, was permitted two years later and is now owned by Los Palos Street Operating LLC, a subsidiary of Altus Power.
As investigations unfold, City Controller Kenneth Mejia has highlighted that firefighting operations to control the blaze have already incurred costs of approximately million to taxpayers. Furthermore, Los Angeles Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado has indicated her intent to introduce motions aimed at supporting affected residents and ensuring accountability among those responsible for the fire.
Calls for a thorough investigation into the incident are mounting, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding the work performed, the parties involved, and potential safety oversights that may have contributed to this catastrophic event. This fire serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities and hazards associated with high-voltage solar installations and the profound impact such incidents can have on local communities. Media News Source.
