After devastating wildfires in Los Angeles this month, crews have begun clearing hazardous debris to pave the way for rebuilding. The EPA, under President Trump’s directive, is expediting cleanup efforts, aiming to meet a Feb. 25 deadline.
In Altadena, workers in hazmat suits carefully remove hazardous materials like paint cans, batteries, and asbestos before heavy equipment clears entire lots. Lithium-ion batteries pose a unique risk, as they can ignite or release toxic gases after fire exposure.
“This may be one of the largest disaster debris collections the EPA has handled,” said coordinator Harry Allen. With over 13,500 properties to inspect, the EPA is deploying hundreds of new personnel. So far, 4,200 properties have been assessed, but hazardous material removal is slow, with just nine lots cleared in two days.
Some families fear lingering toxins, as air samples detected high lead and arsenic levels miles from the burn zones. Crews mark hazards with spray paint—pink for asbestos, white Xs for propane tanks—while monitoring air quality with drones and sensors.
Unstable properties will require heavy equipment during the next cleanup phase by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which could take a year. Meanwhile, the EPA has designated federal land east of LA as a temporary storage site for hazardous debris, despite local concerns. Officials assure that safety measures, including air quality monitoring, will prevent contamination.
“We always restore the site to its original condition,” said EPA spokesperson Anna Drabek.
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