Clearing the Air: The Fight for Uniform Post-Fire Safety Standards

After the devastating 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires, the cleanup process has been fraught with confusion and conflicting advice. Initially, the federal government abandoned California's old soil testing rules, followed by California considering the same. Meanwhile, insurance companies have disregarded scientific guidance on cleaning contaminated homes.

AB 1642: A Path to Standardization

A new bill, AB 1642, introduced by Assemblymember John Harabedian, seeks to establish statewide standards for testing and cleaning up wildfire contamination. These standards would apply to homes, workplaces, schools, and surrounding soil, with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control given until July 1, 2027, to implement them.

Support from Affected Residents

Nicole Maccalla, leading data science efforts with Eaton Fire Residents United, supports the bill, stating that even if the standards are merely guidance, they would help families return home safely. Currently, insurance companies dictate cleanup procedures, often prioritizing cost over health.

Harabedian emphasizes that public health experts and scientists, not bureaucrats or insurers, should set these standards. Clear guidelines would provide much-needed relief for residents struggling to restore their homes.

Disagreements and Confusion

Insurance companies, environmental health academics, and remediation professionals have clashed over necessary cleanup steps, leaving survivors confused. Disputes often arise over who bears the cost of contamination testing. Residents report insurers refusing to cover replacements for contaminated items like mattresses or deep-cleaning beyond surface-level efforts.

Scientific Debates and School Safety

Experts have debated which contaminants homeowners should test for post-fire. Recently, researchers questioned the thoroughness of testing at Palisades Charter High School, which reopened this week.

A Call for Consistent Standards

Harabedian hopes the new guidelines will reinforce California’s policy of comprehensive post-fire soil testing. Following the federal government’s refusal to follow state testing rules, former emergency services director Nancy Ward considered ending state-funded soil testing. Harabedian argues that clear statewide standards would prevent such debates in the future.