Smoke Advisory - Unhealthy Air Quality Declared due to Warehouse Fire

County of Los Angeles, California sent this bulletin at 06/17/2026 06:50 PM PDT
Health Advisory

For Immediate Release:
June 17, 2026

Smoke Advisory 

Unhealthy Air Quality Declared due to Warehouse Fire

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is monitoring the fire at a commercial building in Boyle Heights and remains in communication with response partners.

According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), smoke from a large structure fire in Boyle Heights that started around 2:30 PM is impacting air quality east of downtown Los Angeles and in portions of the San Gabriel Valley. As of 5:30 PM, the fire is actively smoldering and firefighting efforts are likely to continue. The advisory is in effect until Thursday 10:00 AM.

This is an evolving situation. Residents should continue to follow guidance from responding agencies, including any shelter-in-place orders or instructions to stay indoors. Information regarding the cause of the fire and materials involved remains under investigation.

Smoke exposure may cause temporary irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Individuals experiencing severe or worsening symptoms, including difficulty breathing, chest pain, or significant respiratory distress, should seek medical attention immediately.

The following recommendations will help you protect yourself and your family from harmful effects of bad air quality:

  • If you smell smoke or see smoke or ash at ground level, remain indoors with doors and windows closed.
  • Run an air purifier if available.
  • Avoid using a whole house fan or swamp cooler as they can bring polluted air indoors.
  • If you see or smell smoke, or notice particles and ash in the air, stay indoors to limit exposure, especially if you have heart or lung conditions, are elderly, or have children.
  • Wear an N95 or P100 mask if you must go outside in smoky conditions for long periods of time in areas with heavy smoke or where ash is present.
  • If it’s too hot to keep windows and doors closed, go to a public place like a library or shopping center to stay cool and protect yourself from harmful air.
  • Avoid using fireplaces, candles, or vacuums. Clean dusty surfaces with a damp cloth and don’t smoke.
  • If you experience symptoms like severe coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, palpitations, nausea, or unusual fatigue, contact your doctor or go to urgent care. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911.
  • Practice safe clean-up following a fire. Follow the ash clean-up and food safety instructions at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/wildfire/.

To stay updated with real-time/forecasted Air Quality in your area, download the South Coast AQMD Mobile App: http://www.aqmd.gov/mobileapp (Also available in Spanish!) or visit https://www.aqmd.gov/home/air-quality/air-quality-forecasts.