Unlike in previous fire disasters, FEMA did not test the soil in the Eaton and Palisades burn area after debris was cleared, raising questions about whether or not any harmful substances were left behind. Fires that burn that hot through a neighborhood can release a complex mix of chemicals into the air, like arsenic, chromium, mercury and lead, that can seep deep into the ground and into the walls and floors of buildings still standing. A reporting team from the Los Angeles Times decided to take it upon themselves to investigate and do their own testing of the soil around homes that had been cleared and those still in tact. Some of the results were alarming. 

Guests: Tony Briscoe, LA Times Environment Reporter, and Noah Haggerty, LA Times Science and Environment Reporter
Megan Lorick, Malibu Resident 

A Sample of Tony and Noah’s Stories: 

Communities are rebuilding after L.A. fires despite lack of soil testing for toxic substances

https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-03-27/rebuilding-without-soil-testing
L.A. Times finds alarming levels of soil toxins in Altadena and Pacific Palisades

https://www.latimes.com/00000196-7dad-d12e-afbe-fffd3f110000-123

Pressure is mounting for soil testing post-fire cleanup. The Newsom administration is downplaying the concerns

https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-06-12/elected-officials-call-for-soil-testing-after-la-wildfires
Nearly half of Pasadena Unified schools have contaminated soil, district finds

https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-05-16/nearly-half-of-pasadena-unified-schools-have-contaminated-soil-district-finds