Solis Leads Effort to Provide Relief for Small Businesses Impacted by Lineage Fire
Board action supports affected small businesses and calls for stronger public health enforcement tools
Staff from Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis’ office, along with an outreach worker from the Department of Economic Opportunity, canvass a small business in unincorporated East Los Angeles. (Credit: J. Miguel Arcega)
EAST LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today approved Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis’ motion to provide financial assistance to small businesses affected by the Lineage Logistics fire and strengthen efforts to address the incident’s economic and public health impacts.
On June 17, 2026, a fire erupted at a 500,000-square-foot cold storage facility owned by Lineage Inc. on South Los Palos Street in Boyle Heights. The fire spread ash across surrounding communities and resulted in ongoing concerns related to odors, flies and other conditions affecting nearby neighborhoods. Although the facility is located in the City of Los Angeles, the effects have been strongly felt in unincorporated East Los Angeles and surrounding communities.
A survey conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity found that 71 of 88 small businesses in affected commercial corridors reported revenue losses following the fire. Businesses cited reduced customer traffic, property damage, temporary closures and workforce disruptions as contributing factors. The findings align with reports gathered through County canvassing efforts and outreach conducted at Community Resource Centers.
“Over the past several weeks, I have spoken directly with businesses impacted by the Lineage fire and heard firsthand about the thousands of dollars in losses they have suffered,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “These businesses are still struggling to recover and should not be left to shoulder the financial burden of a disaster they did not cause. Lineage has not provided any support to help them recover, which is why I am directing my discretionary funds to provide critical assistance while strengthening our tools to hold companies accountable when their actions harm our communities.”
The motion directs the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity to approve a Small Business Interruption Fund within 45 days using First District Catalytic Development Funds. The fund will assist businesses affected by the Lineage fire and other proclaimed emergencies within the First District.
The motion also directs the department to report back within 60 days on how the Countywide Business Interruption Fund, established in March 2026 to help small businesses recover from disasters, could provide additional resources and identify options for creating a sustainable funding source.
“The Department of Economic Opportunity has been on the ground conducting outreach to small businesses and workers in the communities impacted by the Lineage Logistics fire, assessing business impacts, and connecting businesses with technical assistance and recovery resources. We are grateful to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Board Chair Hilda L. Solis for their leadership in advancing critical financial assistance for affected small businesses. This investment will help businesses recover from lost revenue, stabilize operations, preserve jobs, and continue serving as anchors of their local communities,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity.
The motion further directs the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in consultation with County Counsel, to evaluate its citation and fee structure and provide recommendations for increasing penalties for public health violations with significant impacts on public and environmental health.
The review follows enforcement actions taken against Lineage for ongoing public health concerns, including unsanitary conditions and pest control violations at the facility. Since July 23, Public Health has issued six citations carrying a $500 daily fine until violations are corrected. Beginning July 30, each violation has been cited separately, resulting in fines of up to $2,000 per day until resolved.
The motion also directs County departments to identify opportunities to strengthen emergency preparedness and develop recommendations for community health and safety plans for high-risk facilities near sensitive sites, including residences, schools and health care facilities.
Since the fire, the Department of Economic Opportunity has conducted outreach in affected communities to assess business needs and connect owners with available resources. As relief funds become available, the department will continue working with businesses to help them access recovery assistance. Businesses seeking support can contact the County’s Office of Small Business at (844) 432-4900 or email osb@opportunity.lacounty.gov.
