Pasadena Health Officer Issues Order to Protect Community from Eaton Fire Debris

PASADENA, Calif.- The City of Pasadena Acting Health Officer, Dr. Parveen Kaur, has issued a Health Officer Order requiring the safe removal, transport, and disposal of fire debris to help protect community safety .

Fire debris removal activities must be approved and comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The City of Pasadena has requested state and federal assistance to expedite recovery activities and ensure the safe removal of fire debris from structures damaged by the fires. Fire debris must be safely removed to prevent more harm. The process will be conducted in two phases: (1) the removal of hazardous waste, and (2) the removal of fire debris. For more information and updates on the removal of fire debris in Pasadena, visit the Fire Debris Removal Program website .

Phase 1 is mandatory for all destroyed and heavily damaged properties . 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. Property owners who do not participate in the sponsored fire debris clearance program must coordinate at their own cost for private debris removal, transport, and disposal in a manner that does not endanger the community and that complies with all legal requirements.

The Health Officer Order is a preventative measure in helping protect and preserve the community's health, during the aftermath of Eaton Fire . Exposure to hazardous debris and ash may lead to acute and chronic health effects and cause long-term public health and e nvironmental impacts . 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 residential and other structural fires may include lead, asbestos, arsenic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, or other hazardous materials that result in adverse health impacts to the community , especially to vulnerable people such as older adults, children, and individuals with heart or lung conditions.

Violation of this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment, fine, or both; and will be enforced by the City of Pasadena Police Department, City Attorney/City Prosecutor's Office, and/or any other agency designated by the Pasadena City Manager for enforcement.

Avoid unsafe structures and fire debris. Any free-standing portions of fire damaged structures; including chimneys, walls, and overhanging remanence are potential hazards . If you can return home and your house smells like smoke, but does not appear to be fire damaged ; protect your health by wearing a well-fitted NIOSH approved respirator (such as an N95 or P100) when you clean up your home , and clean your house's indoor air. For more information, read the Returning Home After A Fire press release .

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