9/7/25

EFRU Community Meetings

Starting Monday, 9/8, EFRU will launch a new format: focused discussions on specific fire safety recovery topics. A new space for survivors to discuss, share, and strengthen recovery. This Monday the focus will be on Post-Remediation Testing.

• What should you be testing for after remediation?

• What barriers have you faced in getting post-remediation indoor testing approved by your insurance?

• If you succeeded in getting testing covered, what strategies worked with your insurer?

These community forums are designed for open dialogue: Your input helps guide which experts we bring into future EFRU Speaker Series events. Learn more here.

9/7/25

Hexavalent Chromium Findings

On Thursday 8/28 LA Fire Health Study reported airborne hexavalent chromium nanoparticles—carcinogenic particles small enough to travel 6 miles, infiltrate homes, and accumulate in the body over time—at levels higher than EPA indoor air safety thresholds. It’s important to understand that while hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen, the risk comes mainly from long-term, repeated exposure. Its harmful effects accumulate in the body over time, rather than from a single brief encounter. This means that reducing everyday exposure is critical to lowering long-term health risks. Access the data brief, the recording for the event, and key findings from the recording here.

9/7/25

Soil Guidance

On Friday, 8/22, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released new soil contamination guidance for communities affected by the Eaton and Palisades Fires. The guidance offers recommendations for reducing exposure, but provides no funding for remediation support. Full details are available here.

Dr. Andrew Whelton of Purdue has flagged serious flaws in the guidance, including a chromium threshold set 50 times higher than DTSC’s own hazardous waste standard and the omission of lithium, despite the many electric cars burned in the fires. His full analysis is outlined in a letter to Governor Newsom, available here.

EFRU is closely following the work of scientists studying soil remediation through bioremediation paired with microbiology, with demonstrated results across multiple sites in the Eaton Fire area. While the State currently promotes soil capping as its lowest-cost option—which only offers temporary protection—bioremediation with microbiology is producing data with contamination mitigation beneath the surface. This approach could offer a more effective long-term solution than capping, while remaining significantly more affordable than excavation. Stay tuned for details.

9/7/25

Eaton Fire Residents May Lose Out with SCE New Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program

On Wed 7/23, the LA Times reported SCE will launch a Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program this fall for Eaton Fire victims, offering faster claims but not admitting liability yet. Critics warn payments may fall short and urge survivors to get legal advice. Read the article here.  
Many residents and business owners remain unaware of smoke and ash contamination in their standing structures, risking exclusion of testing and remediation costs from their claims.

9/7/25

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Status & Altadena Golf Course

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed final debris removal from the Eaton Fire area, with sign-off at Eliot Arts Magnet School marking the end of physical operations in Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre. Restoration at the Altadena Golf Course will continue through fall, with handover to Parks and Recreation expected by year’s end.

9/7/25

Eaton Fire Survivors Network

EFSN has a Discord with 2500 fire survivors sharing their experiences and numerous local organizations sharing their information. You can join the Discord by going here. To follow EFSN’s efforts, sign up for the EFSN newsletter here.

8/23/25

EFRU Data is Published!

EFRU’s community-sourced dataset has been published on a scientific platform.

These pre-remediation findings establish the contamination of our area within the worldwide scientific community.