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Pasadena’s Acting Health Officer Parveen Kaur issued an order Wednesday requiring the safe removal, transport and disposal of Eaton Fire debris and hazardous waste.
In an effort “to help protect community safety,” Kaur’s order requires the removal of fire debris “to be approved and comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.”
The city has requested state and federal assistance to hasten recovery efforts and ensure the safe removal of fire debris from damaged and destroyed buildings, officials said.
“Fire debris must be safely removed to prevent more harm,” according to a city statement.
The cleanup and recovery effort will happen in two phases — first is the removal of hazardous waste, then fire debris in Phase 2. The city’s Fire Debris Removal Program website has more information and updates on waste and debris cleanup operations.
“Phase 1 is mandatory for all destroyed and heavily damaged properties,” according to the city statement. “Phase 2 is the removal of the remaining structural ash and debris, with an opportunity to participate in a government sponsored program at no cost to property owners.”
Landowners who do not participate in the city’s debris clearance initiative must coordinate removal at their own expense, in addition to transport and disposal, “in a manner that does not endanger the community and that complies with all legal requirements,” officials said.
Exposure to debris and ash containing toxic substances may result in “acute and chronic health effects and cause long-term public health and environmental impacts,” according to health officials. “Improper handling of fire debris can expose workers to toxic materials, and improper transport and disposal of fire debris can spread hazardous substances throughout the community. Uncontrolled hazardous substances and debris also pose significant threats to public health through inhalation of dust particles.”
Debris and ash from structural fires is likely to carry pollutants such as lead, asbestos, arsenic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, dioxins and other materials that are especially hazardous to older adults, children and people with heart or lung ailments.
A violation of the debris removal order is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment, fine or both.
Officials advised residents to avoid unsafe structures and fire debris — free-standing portions of fire damaged structures including chimneys, walls and overhanging building remnants are potential hazards.
N-95 or P-100 respirator masks were also recommended for returning residents, as was the use of indoor air cleaning devices.
More information on things to do when retuning home after a fire evacuation is available at cityofpasadena.net/public-health/news-announcements/returning-home-after-a-fire-advisory-for-homes-impacted-by-eaton-fire.
