Testing gaps raise concern over toxic soil at post-wildfire sites
The Los Angeles Times has reported that federal and state disaster agencies did not conduct soil testing for toxic substances following the Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles County.
According to the report, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Army Corps of Engineers only removed ash and six inches of topsoil but declined to test for contamination, leaving homeowners with the choice to fund testing themselves or rebuild without knowing the safety of their land.
To investigate the potential risk, The Los Angeles Times independently tested soil samples from 40 sites using methodology consistent with previous state-run wildfire testing efforts.
The Times reported that several tested properties showed elevated levels of lead, arsenic and mercury, including federal contractor-cleared sites that exceeded California’s health standards for residential soil.
Findings reveal elevated toxins on remediated and surviving properties
The Los Angeles Times reported that two of ten remediated homes in Altadena still had levels of lead above California benchmarks.
The investigation also found high metal concentrations in soil at three standing homes near the Eaton fire, which had not received any federal clean-up.
The newspaper stated that its findings were the first concrete evidence that current federal clean-up operations may leave behind harmful contamination in residential areas.
Data from prior wildfires suggest this is not an isolated incident. According to the state, roughly 20% of properties require deeper soil removal after the first excavation.
Government response and oversight questioned
FEMA has said its current policy is to fund removal of up to 6 inches of topsoil but not to perform testing unless there is an immediate hazard.
According to the Los Angeles Times, FEMA administrator Robert Fenton cited a 2019 Environmental Protection Agency letter in defence of the agency’s policy, though the letter did not address newer data showing contamination beyond the surface layer.
The California Office of Emergency Services and the city of Los Angeles have not committed to funding additional testing.
Only Los Angeles County has arranged for some sampling, which it said was for general understanding rather than informing individual homeowners.
Rachel Morello-Frosch, environmental health scientist at UC Berkeley, told the Times: “The decision not to test and not to gather evidence of potential high-level exposures… perpetuates inequities in post-recovery.”
Property owners face rebuilding challenges without clarity on contamination
The Times reported that most affected residents have no clear guidance or support for ensuring their property is free from toxins.
Homeowner Lupe Sanchez of Altadena said soil tests showed lead levels more than three times the state’s safety threshold on her lot, even after federal clean-up.
“I’m trying to negotiate with my insurance company,” Sanchez told the Times. “Nothing’s being taken care of.”
Construction firms like Dolan Design & Build have begun rebuilding on properties without confirmed clean soil, and told the Times that testing all affected sites would cause delays.
Meanwhile, academic researchers and local experts are developing independent recommendations for residents on how to mitigate risk, such as adding clean topsoil or planting grass to reduce dust.
Los Angeles fires: FEMA and Army Corps skip soil testing after wildfires: Summary
The Los Angeles Times has reported that FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers did not test soil for toxic substances after the Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles County.
Instead, the agencies removed fire debris and six inches of topsoil without conducting further contamination analysis.
The Times independently tested soil at 40 locations and found elevated levels of arsenic, lead and mercury on both remediated and surviving properties.
Two cleared properties in Altadena had lead levels above California safety standards.
Three surviving homes near the Eaton fire also showed high metal content.
FEMA stated it is not responsible for meeting state health standards and only funds removal where there is an immediate threat.
The California state government and city of Los Angeles have not stepped in to cover testing costs.
Los Angeles County arranged some sampling but said it would not inform homeowners individually.
Experts say the failure to test perpetuates environmental health risks and inequality.
Homeowners face the burden of paying for soil testing or rebuilding on potentially contaminated land.
Local researchers advise measures such as adding clean soil or using mulch to reduce exposure.
Construction is proceeding without mandated soil tests, leaving some residents uncertain about safety.
FEMA made an exception for deeper testing in Hawaii in 2023, but not in Los Angeles.
Environmental and fire experts say this situation has national implications for disaster recovery policy.