Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis put a stop to the removal of fire debris resulting from the recent deadly wildfires citing potentially toxic substances posing a risk to workers.
“To ensure public health and safety, the Health Officer has issued an order prohibiting the cleanup or removal of fire debris at fire-damaged and burned properties located in Critical Fire Areas, including the areas of the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Creek, Hurst, and Lidia Fires, among others, until a hazardous materials inspection is completed by an approved government agency,” the County of Los Angeles Public Health Department stated in a news release.
The process will be conducted in two phases, according to the order issued Wednesday.
- Phase 1 – Hazardous Waste Removal. The County Fire Health & Hazardous Materials Certified Unified Program Agency, in conjunction with state and federal partners, will conduct a hazardous materials assessment of all burned properties. This assessment will help determine the fire debris clean-up process required for the individual parcel or area.
- Phase 2 – Fire Debris Removal. The state and federal government will operate a program for the cleanup, removal and disposal of fire debris that property owners can opt into to have their properties appropriately cleared of the hazardous fire debris. Property owners may elect to hire contractors to clean up the property after the assessment but must receive approval and follow applicable laws regarding fire debris and hazardous waste cleanup and disposal.
The order stated that fire debris, ash and dirt from residential and structural fires may contain asbestos, heavy metals and other hazardous substances and that exposure to those toxins can occur during disposal.
“Improper handling or disposal of fire debris can increase these risks, spreading hazardous substances throughout the community and endangering workers, residents, and the environment,” the health department stated.
The order exclusively applies to the cleanup or removal of fire debris from residential sites but not personal property, the news release highlighted.