Eaton Fire Cleanup: What You Need to Know
The Eaton Fire is out, but the cleanup is ongoing. The Army Corps of Engineers is handling the cleanup in two phases—first, removing large debris, and second, scraping the top six inches of soil to eliminate most toxins, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds. However, unlike in past fire recoveries, the Corps has stated they will not conduct follow-up soil testing to confirm properties are safe.
Potential Toxic Contamination
Experience from past wildfires, like the 2018 Camp Fire, showed that even after initial cleanup, one-third of properties still had toxic contaminants, including lead, arsenic, mercury, benzene, and asbestos—substances that pose serious health risks. Given that many properties in Altadena are older, the risk of lingering contamination may be even greater. Exposure to these toxins can lead to respiratory issues, neurological damage, and long-term health complications, making thorough remediation essential for the safety of residents.
Who Is Responsible for Additional Cleanup?
After the Camp Fire, the Army Corps continued soil removal until properties were safe, with costs covered by government programs. While California has allocated $2.5 billion for wildfire recovery, no specific funds have been set aside for additional testing or remediation. Without government funding, property owners may have to cover these costs themselves. Many homeowners are now facing difficult decisions about whether to invest in costly private testing or risk potential health hazards by assuming the initial cleanup was sufficient.
How Danko Meredith Can Help
Our firm has filed lawsuits against SoCal Edison to recover costs for restoring properties, including additional testing, cleanup, rebuilding, and landscaping. We understand the financial and emotional burden this places on property owners and are committed to ensuring that they receive the compensation they deserve. By holding responsible parties accountable, we aim to provide relief to affected homeowners and help them rebuild safely.
Contact One of the Attorneys at Danko Meredith
Contact one of the attorneys at Danko Meredith to explore options for a free consultation. If you are concerned about lingering contamination on your property, we can guide you through the legal process and help you seek financial assistance for necessary remediation efforts. Don’t navigate this complex situation alone—reach out to our experienced team today.