Los Angeles council votes unanimously to release first $5 million for Boyle Heights fire victims

The Los Angeles City Council on October 28 voted unanimously to release the first $5 million to support families and businesses affected by the June warehouse fire in Boyle Heights. Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, who represents the area, said a further $5.5 million in Measure A funding will follow in the near future, bringing the total to $10.5 million.

The fire's effects have not ended

The fire broke out on June 17 at a Lineage Logistics cold-storage warehouse and burned for nearly a week, forcing nearby residents to shelter in place at the time. In the months since, the smell of rotting food, the cleanup and concerns about air and water contamination have continued to weigh on a neighbourhood already burdened by industrial pollution. The mayor had previously issued emergency executive orders directing city departments to provide financial and public health support to affected residents and businesses, including help with water and power bills.

How the first $5 million breaks down

According to Jurado's office, $2.5 million will go to more than 100 businesses in ZIP codes 90033, 90032 and 90063; $1.8 million will provide financial assistance to households in the same ZIP codes; qualifying businesses with fewer than six employees will receive $2,500 per month for six months; and $664,460 will cover supplies and overtime for pressure washing, bulky item pickup and illegal dumping responses through the end of the current fiscal year. The remainder covers utility bill payments, emergency financial assistance and other remediation recommendations. The Community Investment Department will report details of a program to reach affected households and encourage them to apply.

Jurado said in a statement: “Since June 17, Boyle Heights families and businesses have continued to bear the consequences of the Lineage warehouse fire, with their health, livelihoods and peace of mind. The fire may be out, the debris may be cleared, but as long as our communities continue to weather the consequences, the emergency is still ongoing.” The council also asked the City Attorney to report on legal remedies to recover the city's response costs from responsible parties.

What happens next

With the first tranche approved, the key question is how quickly the money reaches affected families and businesses. The application details to be published by the Community Investment Department, and the timing of the further $5.5 million in Measure A funding, will determine how much difference this round of aid makes in practice.