Soil at 12 schools in Pasadena and Altadena has elevated levels of toxins following the Eaton Fire, the Pasadena Unified School District announced Wednesday night.
Environmental consulting firm Verdantas tested soil samples at PUSD campuses following the devastating January wildfire and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s recent findings of soil with elevated levels of lead, school district officials said. National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program labs completed all soil analytical services.
“Unfortunately, after testing, some district campuses had impacted soil containing elevated levels of certain fire-related substances,” according to a PUSD statement.
The campuses with elevated toxin levels found in soil are the Altadena Arts Magnet’s sites at Allendale Elementary and on Calaveras Street, Blair Middle and High School, Field Elementary, John Muir High School, Longfellow Elementary, Madison Elementary, Octavia E. Butler Magnet, San Rafael Elementary, Thurgood Marshall Secondary School, Webster Elementary and Washington Elementary.
Individual school maps will be posted on the district’s website, with the final results of soil testing reports posted there in the coming days, district officials said.
“While the results for heavy metals like lead are in, other results may take longer,” officials said. “Maps will be updated as new data becomes available.”
Several schools have been fully cleared with no elevated levels of harmful fire-related substances detected in soil samples.
“These schools are safe for students and employees, and as a result, outdoor playfields and bare dirt areas at those campuses will fully reopen,” according to the district statement. “Normal operations — including recess, PE classes, and athletic team practices — will resume immediately at these locations.”
A list of testing results from all PUSD campuses is online at pusd.us/fire-relief/safety.
“We want to be abundantly clear: safety is not negotiable,” PUSD Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco said in a statement. “That’s why we’re moving forward with both urgency and care. We are grateful to our school communities for their patience as we work to ensure that every student and employee has a safe environment to learn and grow.”
PUSD officials implemented these measures following the soil testing:
- “Continued restriction of access to affected outdoor areas until further investigation, and if necessary, remediation is complete.
- “Ongoing collaboration with local and state health and environmental agencies, including the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Pasadena Public Health Department, to review test results and, if necessary, develop safe, science-based remediation plans that will protect our students and employees.
- “Conduct additional soil testing and remediation where needed to maintain and ensure safety.
- “Provide individual school notifications, which will include summaries of findings, maps of affected areas, and clear timelines for resolution.”
PUSD operates 30 campuses.
Fire releases into the environment lead and other heavy metals from electronics, lithium-ion batteries, appliances and other household items.
Children, and also adults who are pregnant, elderly or have existing health conditions are especially vulnerable to lead and other fire-related toxins.
The Eaton Fire erupted Jan. 7 in Altadena’s Eaton Canyon amid fierce winds, killing 18 people, charring over 14,000 acres and destroying or damaging over 10,000 structures.
Updated May 15, 2025, 12:45 p.m.
