Emerging
Jun 18, 20262
71%
Major Los Angeles Warehouse Fire Triggers Toxic Smoke, Evacuation Orders Issued
A major warehouse fire erupted in Los Angeles on June 17 at the Lineage Freight building, igniting rooftop solar panels and producing toxic smoke. The fire spread to ammonia pipes, prompting the fire department to issue shelter-in-place orders for nearby residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions.
Quick Facts
Who
Los Angeles Fire Department
What
Large commercial warehouse fire
When
June 17, 2026
Where
Los Angeles, California, USA
- Large commercial warehouse fire
- Solar panels ignited by flames
- Toxic smoke produced
- Fire spread to ammonia pipes
- Ammonia gas leak
A large commercial warehouse facility in Los Angeles caught fire on June 17, with flames spreading throughout the structure and igniting solar panels on the roof, producing significant quantities of toxic smoke. The Lineage Freight building, located at 1400 South Los Palos Street near Boyle Heights, became the site of the incident. Due to concerns about hazardous materials, the Los Angeles Fire Department issued shelter-in-place orders for surrounding areas.
The fire spread to ammonia pipes within the building, creating additional hazard concerns. While the fire department confirmed the ammonia leak, officials stated that exposure to ammonia does not necessarily cause poisoning but advised residents with respiratory conditions to monitor their health closely. By evening on June 17 (morning of June 18 Singapore time), firefighters had made significant progress in controlling the blaze.
The shelter-in-place order covered areas south of the 101 freeway near Washington Avenue and extending east from Soto Street to Indiana Street. The incident highlights the risks posed by large industrial facilities storing hazardous materials in urban areas, and the potential for secondary hazards when fires compromise chemical storage systems.
Why This Matters
This incident demonstrates the cascading hazards industrial fires can create in urban environments. The combination of solar panel ignition and ammonia pipe rupture illustrates how secondary hazards can rapidly emerge and complicate emergency response. Residents and policymakers should understand that shelter-in-place orders reflect real chemical exposure risks, and industrial facilities storing hazardous materials require robust fire prevention and containment infrastructure to protect nearby communities.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WireLarge commercial warehouse fire breaks out at Lineage Freight building in Los Angeles
Jun 17, 2026
WireFlames ignite solar panels on warehouse roof, producing toxic smoke
Jun 17, 2026
WireFire spreads to ammonia pipes within building; ammonia gas leak occurs
Jun 17, 2026
WireLos Angeles Fire Department issues shelter-in-place orders for surrounding areas
Jun 17, 2026
WireBy evening, firefighters make significant progress in controlling the blaze