Recovery from the Eaton Fire

Last updated: April 2025

Recovering from the Eaton Canyon Fire involves ongoing safety precautions, environmental testing, and long-term remediation. This updated guide integrates the latest field data from Caltech and collaborating institutions to help homeowners, renters, and business owners understand the evolving risks and recovery steps.

Key Updates Based on Latest Research

  • Lead contamination confirmed indoors and outdoors as far as 7 miles from the burn zone.

  • Most homes had elevated lead on surfaces before cleaning; cleaning was usually effective, but not always.

  • Soil testing shows widespread contamination, including in unburned properties.

  • No asbestos was detected in outdoor ash samples.

  • Tap water is safe according to current testing.

Evacuation Zones & Activity Guidelines

What You Can Do Now

  • Homeowners: Inspect property (with protective gear); delay cleanup until cleared by authorities.

  • Renters: Contact landlords about damage assessment and habitability.

  • Small Business Owners: Document inventory and damage, await inspection before reopening.

Allowed Activities

  • Property inspection (wear N95 masks, gloves, and boots).

  • Photographing/documenting damage.

  • Collecting essential belongings.

Prohibited Activities

  • Entering marked unsafe areas.

  • Cleanup or repairs without official clearance.

  • Using water, power, or gas before inspection.

Environmental Testing & Results

Indoor Lead Contamination

  • Dust samples showed high lead concentrations, especially within 1 meter of windows.

  • After cleaning, 90% of surfaces tested fell below EPA limits, but some still exceeded safe thresholds​.

  • EPA limits:

    • Window sills: 400 μg/m²

    • Floors & flat surfaces: 40 μg/m²

Outdoor Surfaces

  • Elevated lead detected on rooftops, porches, and sidewalks, even miles from the fire perimeter​.

Soil Contamination

  • Lead levels exceeded:

    • California advisory (80 ppm): in ~38% of homes with burn structures.

    • EPA limit (200 ppm): in ~7% of all samples​.

  • Lead found in fine soil particles (which are more ingestible) was on average 61% higher than in bulk soil samples​.

  • Soil contamination was patchy and not always linked to proximity to fire, indicating ash plume travel.

Ash Contamination

  • Urban fire ash contained over 300 μg lead per gram, versus 10–30 μg/g in wildland ash.

  • Contaminated ash traveled 5+ miles southwest via Santa Ana winds​.

Asbestos

  • No asbestos detected in any outdoor ash samples tested by certified labs​.

Water Safety

  • Tap water samples across 52 homes showed no detectable lead above EPA action levels​.

Safe Cleaning Practices

Indoor Cleaning

  • Use wet wiping only—dry sweeping or vacuuming spreads lead dust.

  • Professional remediation involves:

    • Wiping all surfaces, including floors, furniture, and window sills.

    • Multiple passes and follow-up testing.

Outdoor Soil Mitigation

  • Do not disturb soil unnecessarily.

  • Use mulch or compost layers to limit exposure.

  • Wash hands and remove shoes before entering the house.

  • Raised garden beds with new soil recommended for food crops.

For Homeowners

  • Remediation may include full professional cleaning.

  • Heavily contaminated homes may need rebuilding or demolition, especially if lead is inside walls​.

  • Apply for:

For Renters

  • Review leases for "Force Majeure" clauses.

  • Request your landlord’s cleanup and repair plan.

  • Document everything and keep records of communication.

Housing Options

  • FEMA housing assistance is available.

  • Short-term housing grants may apply even outside mandatory evacuation zones.

For Small Business Owners

  • SBA Disaster Loans: SBA.gov

  • Request environmental safety assessments before reopening.

  • Clean facilities thoroughly with wet methods.

  • File insurance claims with full documentation.

Health, Safety & Monitoring

  • Get blood testing for children and pets—no level of lead is considered safe for children.

  • Wash hands frequently, especially before eating.

  • Clean pet paws and bedding often.

Recommended Remediation Steps

  • Replace topsoil in garden beds or play areas.

  • Add organic material (mulch or compost).

  • Consider phytoremediation plants (e.g., sunflowers, cilantro—but do not eat these).

Mental Health & Community Support

  • FEMA & Red Cross provide counseling.

  • Community recovery groups and town halls offer guidance and peer support.

  • Caltech Science Exchange hosts updates: scienceexchange.caltech.edu/fires

Key Resources

ResourceContact / URL

Frequently Asked Questions (Updated)

Is my home safe if it's not in the burn zone?
No guarantee—lead was found up to 7 miles downwind. Testing is essential.

Do I need professional remediation?
In most cases, yes—especially for homes with dust readings above EPA limits.

How do I test my soil or house for lead?
Use EPA-recommended test kits (e.g., LeadCheck). Composite soil sampling is recommended: mix topsoil from various spots.

Can my kids play outside?
Only if soil tests are below EPA thresholds and mitigation steps (e.g., mulch) are in place.

Can we eat fruits or vegetables from our garden?
Yes, after thorough washing. Use vinegar-water solution to rinse. Avoid eating root vegetables grown in untested soil.

How long does lead stay in soil?
Months to years—especially in dry climates with little rain.

Do I need to test soft furnishings?
Currently, no standardized method exists for soft surfaces like couches. Replace or professionally clean if heavily exposed.

Should I test my blood for lead?
If you live or work near the plume, yes, especially for children, pregnant individuals, or pets.

What if the rain washed contaminants into storm drains?
Rain doesn’t eliminate risk. Soil samples after rain still showed persistent lead levels.

FAQs and Common Concerns

Concerns About Safety: Renters should prioritize their personal safety by avoiding damaged units and reporting unsafe conditions to local authorities.

How Long Until I Stop Paying Rent If I Haven’t Lived in the Unit?: Review your lease agreement. In most cases, rent payments can be suspended if the property is deemed uninhabitable. Consult with a tenant advocacy group for support.

Where in the Lease Agreement Does It Outline Responsibilities in a Natural Disaster?: Check the "Force Majeure" or "Act of God" clauses, which typically define the responsibilities of landlords and tenants in such situations.

Maintaining Two Leases or a Lease and a Mortgage: If you are displaced and required to maintain two housing payments, contact your lender or landlord to discuss temporary relief options.

What If I Have Mobility Issues or Disabilities?: Contact FEMA or local agencies to request accommodations or specialized assistance. Ensure your temporary housing meets accessibility needs.

How Does This Affect My Benefits (SS, Disability, Food Aid)?: Report your change in circumstances to the relevant agencies. In some cases, disaster assistance may be excluded from income calculations for benefits.

Why Can’t We Return to Homes Outside the Fire Perimeter?: Authorities may restrict access to ensure safety, such as checking for structural integrity, water quality, and utility hazards.

What Happens If I Have a Reverse Mortgage and My Home Is Uninhabitable?: Contact your reverse mortgage servicer immediately. You may be eligible for disaster relief programs to suspend payments or repair damages.

What If I Have a VA Loan and My Home Is Uninhabitable?: VA borrowers may qualify for special disaster relief options, including payment deferrals or assistance with repairs.

Airbnb Applications Denied for Non-Mandatory Evacuation Zones: This prioritization is policy-based. Appeal the decision or explore alternative accommodations through FEMA or local programs.

What If My Landlord or Insurance Provider Is Unresponsive?: Document all attempts to reach them and seek help from local housing or insurance advocacy groups.

How Can I Avoid Contractor Scams?: Always verify licensing and credentials. Work only with trusted professionals recommended by FEMA or local agencies.

Can I Terminate My Lease If the Property Is Uninhabitable?: Review your lease agreement and local laws. Contact tenant advocacy groups if you encounter resistance.

What Assistance Is Available for Small Businesses?: Apply for SBA disaster loans and explore local grants or relief programs. Consult with financial advisors for tailored solutions.