Los Angeles declares state of emergency as firefighters battle warehouse blaze

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency on June 21, 2026, as firefighters continued to battle a blaze at a cold-storage facility that began on June 17. The fire has been spewing smoke across the Los Angeles metropolitan area, prompting concerns for residents. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, representing Boyle Heights, stated that the emergency declaration is vital because residents have endured days of smoke, shelter-in-place orders, and disruptions to their daily lives, alongside ongoing health and well-being concerns. The declaration aims to mobilize resources to combat the warehouse fire in Boyle Heights, which has significantly impacted the community.