Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Fire Survivors to Benefit from Expanded Soil Lead Testing, County Support

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a motion to expand soil lead testing and bolster remediation efforts in communities impacted by the Eaton and Palisades Fires, including areas in and around Pasadena.

Co-authored by Board Chair Kathryn Barger and Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, the motion directs the Department of Public Health to broaden its free soil testing program to residents living within and downwind of the Palisades burn area. It also calls on California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to explore cost-effective insurance solutions for homeowners, such as volume purchasing agreements and low-cost financing. The motion reinforces the County’s advocacy with Lara’s office and supports partnerships aimed at restoring confidence and peace of mind for fire survivors.

“It’s been ten months since the wildfires and far too many survivors are still living with uncertainty about whether their soil is safe,” Barger said in a statement. “Resources for actual soil remediation remain a critical gap. Residents deserve clear answers and tangible support.”

The Eaton and Palisades Fires destroyed more than 16,000 structures and burned over 40,000 acres. While rebuilding continues, concerns about lead contamination persist. The motion supports the Community-Oriented Network for Scientific Observation, Recovery and Tracking of Impacts from Urban Megafires (CONSORTIUM), a coalition of academic and institutional teams, and urges the California Community Foundation to allocate its $2 million in state funding toward remediating homes with the highest lead levels in the Eaton burn area.

Horvath emphasized the County’s commitment to fire survivors, stating, “This motion expands soil testing for both Palisades and Eaton Fire survivors who deserve our full partnership as we recover from January’s devastation.”

The County’s Chief Executive Officer is expected to report back within 60 days on additional funding sources for testing and cleanup. Meanwhile, the Center for Strategic Partnerships and the Department of Public Health will work with community stakeholders to secure philanthropic, private, and government support for long-term remediation.