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Sierra Madre residents urge city action after Eaton Fire tests show elevated toxins
Summary
Residents told the City Council they found high levels of lead and other heavy metals inside homes after the January Eaton Fire and mudslides, and asked the city to coordinate testing, remediation and an extension of county debris‑removal deadlines.
Several Sierra Madre residents told the City Council on May 13 they have measured elevated levels of lead, asbestos and other contaminants inside homes and in nearby soil after the January Eaton Fire and subsequent mudslides, and asked the city to help coordinate testing and remediation.
Caroline Helvin, a Lower Canyon resident, said she compiled test results from multiple homes and that “we have lead readings as high as a 88 micrograms per square foot,” and that USC and Caltech researchers have found elevated concentrations in affected urban areas. Derek Sample, another canyon resident, described interior “ghost wipes” taken from chairs, counters and floors that showed “incredibly high levels of zinc…and unbelievably high levels of lead and vanadium and barium and copper.”
Why it matters: residents said the contamination presents potential long‑term health risks and immediate concerns for vulnerable groups. Speakers asked the council to help secure time for testing and cleanup, warn residents about exposure, and press county and state officials for extended debris‑removal permits and remediation programs.
Council response and next steps: Mayor Robert Parkhurst and staff urged residents to submit test results and a letter the group prepared. Planner Lynn confirmed the city will “reach out to county” officials and staff will invite county public‑health representatives to upcoming events. The council scheduled a community listening session on Saturday to gather additional input, and Mayor Parkhurst said Los Angeles County Public Health will present at the next council meeting.
What residents asked for: Caroline Helvin summarized five requests the group included in a letter to the city: 1) comprehensive environmental, soil and air testing in public and residential areas adjacent to the fire; 2) a public information campaign about possible health effects and precautions; 3) remediation programs focused on public spaces; 4) coordination with county and state health officials for health monitoring; and 5) extension of the county debris‑removal permit deadline for Sierra Madre homeowners.
City actions recorded: staff accepted residents’ letter and test results and agreed to forward materials to Los Angeles County Public Health and include the topic as future action. Council members encouraged residents to attend the Saturday listening session and to email test data to the city clerk so staff can follow up.
What the city did not do tonight: the council did not adopt a remediation plan, authorize city‑funded testing, or commit specific funding. Several residents pressed for immediate county involvement and for an extension of the June 1 debris‑removal deadline; the council directed staff to seek county participation and to have Los Angeles County Public Health present at the next council meeting.
Looking ahead: staff will collect submitted reports and the council will receive a report back from the county and from city staff in a future meeting. Residents said they will continue to share test results and ask the council to press county and state agencies for remediation and permit extensions.
