Boyle Heights Lineage Fire Update

The fire at Lineage’s Los Palos Street facility began on June 17. During the fire incident, the Boyle Heights community and surrounding neighborhoods endured numerous challenges. Now, as cleanup and recovery efforts persist, new issues are impacting the area. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued an order requiring Lineage to address fly and rodent issues and to take corrective actions to eliminate the source of the problem. DPH continues to issue citations and maximum allowable fines to Lineage Logistics for on-site unsanitary conditions and pest control violations. 

For an in-depth understanding of the conditions at the Lineage facility in Boyle Heights, the company’s response, cleanup progress, air monitoring information, community resources, FAQs, and latest updates, please visit Lineage's Boyle Heights Response & Recovery website.

Vernon residents and businesses may notice an increase in green bottle flies in the area. This increase may be associated with the recent fire at the Lineage facility in Boyle Heights and the resulting decomposition of food products.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued an order requiring Lineage to address the fly and rodent issues and to take corrective actions to eliminate the source of the problem. DPH continues to issue citations and maximum allowable fines to Lineage Logistics for on-site unsanitary conditions and pest control violations. On July 29th, DPH issued a press release detailing the violations that remain outstanding.

WHY IS THE CLEANUP TAKING TIME?

Removing and disposing of large quantities of damaged and decomposing food is a complex process that cannot be completed immediately. As cleanup efforts continue, there may be an increased fly presence in the surrounding community until the source is fully removed.

ARE GREEN BOTTLE FLIES HARMFUL?

Green bottle flies do not bite or sting people. However, they can pose a public health concern because they are attracted to decaying organic material, garbage, and animal waste.

As flies move between these materials and homes or businesses, they can mechanically transmit bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms by carrying them on their bodies and mouthparts. If they land on food, food-preparation surfaces, utensils, or other household items, they may contaminate them.

Although the risk of illness to most healthy individuals is generally low, it is important to take precautions to reduce exposure, including:

• Keep food covered whenever possible
• Wash fruits and vegetables before eating
• Clean and disinfect kitchen counters and food preparation surfaces regularly
• Wash your hands before preparing or eating food
• Promptly dispose of garbage and organic waste
• Keep doors and windows closed or ensure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent flies from entering your home or facility

In rare cases, certain blow flies, including green bottle flies, can cause a condition called myiasis, in which fly larvae infest open wounds or damaged tissue. This condition is uncommon in the United States and primarily affects individuals or animals with untreated wounds or other predisposing conditions. Keeping wounds clean and covered and seeking appropriate medical or veterinary care helps prevent this condition.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

You can also help reduce fly activity around your property by:

• Keeping trash containers tightly closed
• Promptly disposing of pet waste
• Cleaning outdoor garbage and recycling containers regularly
• Keeping doors and windows closed or ensuring screens are in good repair
• Removing any standing organic waste from your yard or facility

We understand this situation is frustrating and appreciate your patience as cleanup efforts continue. The City will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

For additional information or questions, please contact the Vernon Health and Environmental Department at 323.826.1448 or health@cityofvernonca.gov.