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As devastating wildfires force tens of thousands of Los Angeles residents from their homes, many evacuees face a new challenge: safely returning once the immediate fire danger passes. While the instinct may be to rush back and begin cleanup, public health and fire officials warn that hidden hazards—from toxic debris to structural damage—require careful precautions.
Public health and fire officials are urging residents returning home after wildfire evacuations to take fire safety precautions when re-entering and cleaning their properties. They cite risks from toxic debris and hidden fire hazards.
L.A. County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella warned that debris left behind by fires and Santa Ana winds poses significant dangers to returning evacuees.
"The debris can be hazardous. The debris on private property is considered hazardous and may be toxic," Pestrella said. "It is not safe to remove the debris yourselves. There is a process for that."
The L.A. County Department of Public Health and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) have issued comprehensive guidelines for residents to safely re-enter their properties. Officials emphasize checking for active fires and structural dangers before entering homes.
According to CalFire guidelines, safety inspections should begin outside the home. Residents should examine utility poles, trees, and other structures for fire damage or instability. Inside, homeowners need to check for gas leaks before restoring power.
CalFire's safety documentation advises entering with a battery-powered flashlight to ensure no ignition if there is a gas leak.
Personal protective equipment requirements for handling debris include N-95 or higher-rated masks, gloves, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Public health officials note that ash becomes slippery when wet and requires careful handling to prevent falls and air contamination.
Food safety presents another concern for returning residents. The County Department of Health directs people to dispose of frozen foods that thawed during power outages and any non-airtight stored items exposed to ash-contaminated air. While sealed glass jars and metal cans remain safe, plastic water bottles with ash-covered caps should be discarded, as rinsing cannot adequately decontaminate them.
Officials outlined specific prohibitions to protect resident safety. The Department of Public Health advises against:
- Using leaf blowers for ash removal
- Allowing children to play in ash
- Operating standard vacuum cleaners without HEPA filters
- Drinking tap water until authorities declare it safe
- Attempting repairs on damaged gas meters, lines, or propane tanks
Health officials recommend gentle sweeping followed by wet mopping for necessary cleanup to minimize airborne particles. Residents should collect ash in plastic bags to prevent it from spreading.
Generator usage requires particular attention to safety. CalFire instructs residents to plug appliances directly into generators using extension cords, avoid power strips, and limit connections to one appliance per outlet. Direct connection to home electrical systems is prohibited as it risks endangering utility workers.
Documentation plays a crucial role in the recovery process. Officials recommend photographing and recording video of all damage, both interior and exterior, to support future insurance claims.
According to Pestrella, the county is developing protocols for safe debris removal. Officials ask residents to wait for proper authorities to handle potentially toxic materials rather than attempting removal themselves.
Emergency responders emphasize the importance of immediate notification if residents discover active fires during their property inspection. CalFire directs people to check attics, rain gutters, roofs, crawl spaces, and debris piles for lingering embers that could reignite.
Pet owners received specific guidance to bathe animals exposed to ash, while residents themselves should wash off any ash contact with warm water and soap.
The Department of Public Health's website offers complete guidance in English and Spanish, while CalFire offers additional information through its preparedness brochures.
These safety measures come as tens of thousands of residents of the L.A. area await clearance to return to their homes following extensive fire evacuations across the region.
