Lineage sues Altus Power and contractor over Boyle Heights warehouse solar fire

Lineage, operator of a 500,000-square-foot cold-storage facility in Boyle Heights, sued Altus Power and its installer Pearce Services, asserting that shoddy solar-panel work sparked the June 17 fire that engulfed the roof and interior of the warehouse. The lawsuit claims Altus knowingly re-energized the array after detecting more than 200 connector failures and after Lineage asked for safety checks, leading to a “negligent and reckless” blaze.

Altus, represented by its subsidiary Los Palos Street Operating LLC, called the allegations misinformation and said it will fight the case. Residents have reported nausea, itchy throats and a persistent stench after the fire, while the company faces additional lawsuits and claims damages exceeding $1 billion. Lineage’s CEO Greg Lehmkuhl maintains the fire originated from the solar installation and stresses the importance of cold-storage services for the community. An air-quality regulator has inspected the site and confirmed the removal of rotting food waste.