California: Palisades Fire, possibly Malibu, Brentwood, Altadena....

[Mary Wilson]

‘Most of the fire is out’ at Moss Landing battery plant, but evacuations, road closures continue

UPDATED: January 17, 2025 at 11:59 AM PST
By PAUL ROGERS, JASON GREEN, RICK HURD and MOLLY GIBBS

MOSS LANDING — A major fire at a lithium battery storage plant was still smoldering and smoke continued to drift over the community of Moss Landing and the Elkhorn Slough area in northern Monterey County late Friday morning ...

The evacuations remained in place at 11 a.m. for about 1,200 residents, who were evacuated from areas of Moss Landing south of Elkhorn Slough, north of Molera Road and Monterey Dunes Way, and west of Castroville Boulevard and Elkhorn Road to the ocean. ...

The facility, owned by Vistra Energy, a Texas company, is one of the largest battery storage plants in the world. It holds tens of thousands of lithium batteries, which are used to store electricity from solar power and other sources generated during the day for use at night. ...

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/01/16/moss-landing-power-plant-fire-evacuations-road-closures/

[Mary Wilson]

A growing safety concern: Health hazards of lithium-ion battery fires

September 12, 2024
By Randy Narine
(Randy Narine has been in the fire service for 10 years, is a member of the OPFFA and a board member of the Clean Energy Safety and Training Council (CESAT).
...
Immediate health risks

Toxic gas emissions: Lithium-ion battery fires release a cocktail of toxic gases, including hydrogen fluoride (HF), which can cause severe respiratory distress, skin burns and eye irritation. Unlike traditional fires, these gases are not just smoke but a mix of highly toxic substances that can be lethal in confined spaces.

Thermal runaway: The phenomenon where one cell’s failure triggers adjacent cells to fail, leading to an intense fire. This process escalates the fire’s intensity and increases the volume of toxic gas emissions, creating a hazardous environment for inhalation.

Rocket flame: In some cases, the pressure build-up can lead to a jet of flame—known as rocket flame—which can cause severe burns and spread the fire rapidly, potentially leading to explosions in confined spaces.

Long-term health implications

Respiratory issues: Exposure to the combustion products of lithium-ion batteries can lead to long-term respiratory problems, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, due to the inhalation of fine particulate matter and toxic gases.

Systemic toxicity: Hydrogen fluoride, among other gases, can lead to systemic poisoning, affecting multiple organs. The fluoride ions can disrupt cellular functions, leading to severe health issues over time.

Neurological effects: The metals and chemicals released, like cobalt and lithium, might have neurotoxic effects, potentially leading to neurological disorders if exposure is significant. ...

Health monitoring: For individuals exposed to such fires, long-term health monitoring for respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological effects should be considered, especially for first responders and residents in affected areas. ...

https://www.cdnfirefighter.com/a-growing-safety-concern-health-hazards-of-lithium-ion-battery-fires/

[Mary Wilson]

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES
Norovirus outbreak reported at Pasadena evacuation shelter

Posted: Jan 17, 2025 / 01:07 PM PST
Updated: Jan 17, 2025 / 01:07 PM PST
by: Austin Turner

An outbreak of the norovirus has been reported at the Pasadena Evacuation Center, officials confirmed.

The Pasadena Public Health Department said that three cases of the norovirus were confirmed at the Pasadena Convention Center shelter on Friday morning. Those three diagnoses come as a cluster of 28 people battle acute gastrointestinal illness.

Since Jan. 10, the American Red Cross has been operating the shelter, which is designed to house Eaton Fire victims who lost their homes or were forced to evacuate. ...

The PPHD said crews at the evacuation shelter are making sure to isolate the individuals who became sick and are working with onsite medical teams from Kaiser Permanente and AltaMed to provide the necessary medical aid.

https://ktla.com/news/california/wildfires/norovirus-outbreak-reported-at-pasadena-evacuation-shelter/

[Mary Wilson]

Why those in L.A. whose homes were spared in wildfires could still face serious health risks

Debris, ash and dirt from fires can contain hazardous substances, health officials caution

Posted: Jan 19, 2025 3:00 AM CST | Last Updated: 11 hours ago
Amina Zafar · CBC News ·

... On Thursday, the Los Angeles County Health Officer prohibited any cleanup or removal of fire debris until hazardous materials inspections are completed.

Ash and dirt in debris from residential and structural fires may contain asbestos, heavy metals and other hazardous substances, the health officer said, noting that people can be exposed to the toxic substances by inhaling ash or particles of fire dust, or through contact with the skin or contaminated drinking water supplies. ...

https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/wildfires-la-cleaning-health-1.7433839

[QuadrupleM]

AIR QUALITY ALERT
ISSUED: 4:17 PM JAN. 19, 2025 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE...AIR QUALITY ALERT DUE TO HARMFUL PARTICLE POLLUTION LEVELS FROM
WINDBLOWN DUST AND ASH...

* WHAT...The South Coast AQMD has issued an air quality alert due to
harmful levels of windblown dust and ash.

* WHERE...in the South Coast Air Basin, Coachella Valley, and
eastern Riverside County. Pollution levels can vary by time and
location depending on emissions and local weather conditions.

* WHEN...10 AM Monday through 10 PM Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Particle pollution can get deep into the lungs and cause
serious health problems such as asthma attacks, heart and lung
disease symptoms, and increased risk of respiratory infections.
Everyone can be affected, but sensitive groups such as people with
lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant,
children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater
risk.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

To protect your health, in areas affected by windblown dust and ash:

* Avoid outdoor activity
* Keep windows and doors closed
* Run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier
* Do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in
outside
air if you have other methods to stay cool
* Avoid other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles,
incense, grilling, and gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

Cleaning up ash can be harmful for your health. See California
Department of Public Health Guidelines for the safe cleanup of ash
at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO...%20Pages/Safe-
Cleanup-of-Ash.aspx.

To view current and forecasted air quality levels, visit the South
Coast Air Quality Management District website at aqmd.gov or
download the mobile app at www.aqmd.gov/mobileapp. Additional
details for this air quality alert may be available at
www.aqmd.gov/advisory.

To view current and forecasted air quality levels, visit the Mojave
Desert Air Quality Management District website at mdaqmd.ca.gov.B
Additional details for this air quality alert may be available at
www.mdaqmd.ca.gov/advisories.

To view current and forecasted air quality levels, visit the
antelope Valley Air Quality Management District website at
www.avaqmd.ca.gov.

To view current and forecasted air quality levels, visit the San
Diego County Air Pollution Control District website at
www.sdapcd.org/content/sdapcd/air-quality.html. Additional details
for this air quality alert may be available at
https://www.sdapcd.org/content/sdapc...-advisory.html.

To view current and forecast air quality within Imperial County
visit the Imperial County Air Quality website at
http://www.imperialvalleyair.org/ or follow ICAPCD on Twitter,
facebook or Instagram (@county_air).

[Mary Wilson]

Foothill cities oppose use of Lario Park to process hazardous debris from Eaton Fire

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 7:04PM
ByMónica De Anda and Rob McMillan

DUARTE, Calif. (KABC) -- The cities of Duarte, Azusa, Irwindale and Baldwin Park have opposed federal plans to use Lario Park as a site for processing hazardous household debris from the Eaton Fire.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has already prepared the site at 15701 East Foothill Boulevard with spill control measures and plans to monitor air quality during operations set to begin next week.

However, the cities argue they were not given prior notice or a chance to weigh in, raising concerns about the potential environmental impact and proximity to residents. ...

According to the EPA, this land is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers and has been leased to L.A. County, even though it is within the city limits of Azusa.

A statement issued by the EPA said, in part:

"To protect the environment, EPA has lined all processing areas with plastic and installed protective measures like wattles, booms, earthen berms, and gravel. EPA will conduct perimeter air monitoring, and a water truck will spray three times daily to control dust. All materials will be transported safely from the burn area to the staging area following Department of Transportation standards to protect our water, land, and air." ...

"These things are explosive, they're biohazardous, and yet you're bringing it 16 miles from the actual burn scar to our communities," he (Azusa Mayor Robert Gonzales) said. ...

https://abc7.com/post/eaton-fire-updates-duarte-azusa-irwindale-baldwin-park-oppose-use-lario-process-hazardous-debris/15843794/

[Pathfinder]

EPA Launches Largest Wildfire Hazardous Material Removal Effort in Agency History

February 3, 2025

Contact Information
EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently undergoing the largest wildfire hazardous waste cleanup in the history of the agency as it assists local governments and residents in the wake of catastrophic fires in Los Angeles County. EPA has completed reconnaissance at 6,022 properties. This includes 3,636 properties impacted by the Eaton Fire and 2,386 properties impacted by the Palisades Fire. The agency has successfully removed 80 electric vehicles and bulk energy storage systems, which are extremely dangerous to the public and the environment and will continue ramping up such operations.

Currently there are 1,050 response personnel in the field, up from 478 at the end of last week and with an additional 280 mobilizing today. EPA is assembling 60 teams to clear hazardous materials from the more than 13,000 residential and 250 commercial fire-impacted properties. EPA has convened a working group to coordinate with utilities, state, local and federal stakeholders to expedite cleanup operations and meet unmet needs in the sector. At the request of water utilities, EPA is also providing technical assistance to help bring systems back online.

“EPA is undertaking the largest wildfire cleanup in the history of the agency. We’re not going to wait days or weeks or months to ramp up. We have over a thousand personnel on the ground to aid Californians, and our local, state, and federal partners, in Los Angeles’s recovery. The Trump administration is tackling this head on in a way that EPA couldn’t possibly be prouder to be a part of,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.

EPA has been assigned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with the first stage of the overall recovery and cleanup: the project to remove lithium-ion batteries and to survey, remove, and dispose of hazardous materials from properties burned by wildfires. Residents returning home are encouraged to exercise extreme caution and can call our hotline at 1-833-798-7372 if they encounter a lithium-ion battery while re-entering their property and/or are unsure if a lithium-ion battery was damaged.

On Jan. 24, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order Emergency Measures to Provide Water Resources in California and Improve Disaster Response in Certain Areas. This directs EPA to complete its hazardous materials mission responding to the Los Angeles wildfires as soon as practical. EPA’s work removing hazardous materials is Phase 1 of the federal cleanup response. This work, conducted at no cost to residents, is a mandatory process to ensure the safety of residents and the workers who will — after the hazardous material is gone — conduct the Phase 2 debris removal in the burn footprints, and to prevent these materials from being released into the environment. Phase 2 will be conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as coordinated by FEMA. Once Phase 1 has been completed at a property, Phase 2 will begin automatically.

EPA will remove potentially dangerous everyday products including household products like paints, cleaning supplies, and automotive oils, garden products such as herbicides and pesticides, batteries, including both standard and rechargeable types, and propane tanks and other pressurized gas containers. They will remove visible asbestos and inspect pressurized fuel cylinders (like propane tanks). After a fire, these products require special handling, especially if their containers are damaged. EPA field teams will also remove items thought to have asbestos if they are easy to identify, but the property will not be fully cleared until Phase 2 (debris removal).

EPA will also remove lithium-ion batteries from vehicles, homes and other products. Many homes have damaged or destroyed lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion battery energy storage systems, and electric and hybrid vehicles. The batteries should be considered extremely dangerous, even if they look intact. Lithium-ion batteries can spontaneously re-ignite, explode, and emit toxic gases and particulates even after the fire is out.

At the direction of President Trump, EPA is partnering with the U.S. military and Department of Homeland Security to develop and execute a plan to expedite the removal of contaminated and general debris.

If residents are on their property when EPA arrives for the hazardous materials removal, the crew will not be able to conduct work at that property and will return at a later time. EPA will remove only hazardous materials, by hand, and will not remove any non-hazardous materials. If crews find objects of value, EPA will contact local law enforcement to track and remove the objects for safekeeping.

EPA has secured temporary storage, or staging, locations for materials from each fire site. Removed hazardous waste materials are brought into these staging areas daily, processed into appropriate waste streams, and packaged and sealed for shipment and proper disposal.

This guidance has been previously shared with impacted communities.

• Guidance on Phase 1: Hazardous Material Removal.
• Guidance on Lithium-ion Batteries.

The public can find more information about EPA’s hazardous material removal operations at EPA’s 2025 California Wildfires website. This website will be continuously updated as EPA's work moves forward.  

Related Links

• Headquarters
• Read other EPA News Releases about Emergency Response

Contact Us about News Releases
Last updated on February 3, 2025

https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-launches-largest-wildfire-hazardous-material-removal-effort-agency-history

[Pathfinder]

Phase 1 of the Debris Removal Program

• English
• Español

Release Number:
FS 011
Release Date:
February 3, 2025

Phase 1 of Los Angeles County’s Debris Removal Program is underway. Led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), this program removes common household items burned in the wildfires that may require safe disposal.

As fire-scarred houses are cleared, common household items are removed by the U.S. EPA to help clear properties in preparation for rebuilding. These items are the type of common everyday materials that residents transport to designated collection facilities for proper disposal.

Items that may be removed from residential properties:

---

Household Items:	Some products that Include Lithium-Ion batteries:
Paint Cleaners and Solvents Oils Batteries Pesticides Asbestos Pressurized Fuel Cylinder (i.e. Propane Tanks)	Electric/hybrid vehicles Electric bikes Hoverboards Wheelchairs Digital cameras Home alarms Power backs or stations

How are these items removed?

---

A U.S. EPA team will survey your property, identifying debris and marking it for disposal. Then, a second team will secure the loose debris in a secure receptacle and remove it. Following removal, the collected debris will be taken to a transfer site nearby where it will be sorted and quickly routed on its journey to a its final disposal location. Throughout this process, local, state, and federal partners will continue to work together to test air, water, and soil to ensure safety.

What Happens After Phase 1?

---

Once EPA teams have identified and removed debris, the team will place a sign on your property that states the removal has been completed. Once this phase is complete, homeowners who have opted into the debris removal program will see Phase 2 begin. Phase 2 involves US Army Corps of Engineers removing the remaining debris from the lot. Those homeowners who do not opt into the debris program will have to remove the debris on their own.

Phase 1 is a crucial step in the process of recovery. Debris removal will help to keep communities safe from hazardous dust and allow survivors to begin rebuilding as soon as possible.

For more information regarding U.S. EPA’s wildfire response, visit: 2025 California Wildfires | US EPA.

Download as PDF
Accessible TXT

https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/phase-1-debris-removal-program

-------------------------------------------------------

Federal, State and Local Agencies Come Together to Speed Up Wildfire Recovery with New Temporary Processing Site at Will Rogers State Beach Parking Lot


Emergency Response

February 5, 2025

Contact Information
EPA Los Angeles Wildfire Press Team (R9WildfiresPIO@epa.gov)
415-694-8840

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, California State Parks, and the city and county of Los Angeles to assist in the safe removal of household hazardous materials from properties damaged by the Palisades Fire. This necessary action helps speed up debris removal on properties destroyed by the wildfire and will enable residents to rebuild their homes faster.

The parking lot at Will Rogers State Beach will serve as a temporary site for household hazardous materials collected and transported from nearby properties to be consolidated, securely packaged, and safely loaded for transportation to a permanent disposal or recycling facility outside of the area. This location is suitable because it is flat, open land close to damaged properties that require debris removal.

The Will Rogers State Beach parking lot is a California State Parks property that has been operated by Los Angeles County for more than 50 years through an agreement with State Parks. Los Angeles County has a separate agreement with the City of Los Angeles for the maintenance of the parking lot. All agencies are working closely to complete this critical recovery work safely and efficiently.

The temporary processing site is closed to the public, and EPA is using best management practices to process any hazardous household material and keep it contained within the facility. Throughout this process, EPA will conduct air monitoring to ensure that operations in and around the site are health protective.

This site is an important part of Los Angeles’ ongoing efforts to safely remove fire debris so that the recovery and rebuilding process can move forward as quickly and safely as possible. We ask for your patience and understanding as state and federal partners work towards recovery for our community.

The public can find more information about EPA’s hazardous material removal operations at epa.gov/california-wildfires. This website will be continuously updated as EPA's work moves forward.  

View EPA’s Story Map for the 2025 California Wildfire Response.

Visit the official Los Angeles County website for recovery efforts.

Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and on X.

Related Links

• Region 09
• Read other EPA News Releases about Emergency Response

Contact Us about News Releases
Last updated on February 5, 2025

https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/federal-state-and-local-agencies-come-together-speed-wildfire-recovery-new-temporary